Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Fatima Kyari, has said only 58,000 medical doctors renewed their annual practising fee in 2023 out of the 130,000 the council registered since inception due to the migration of health workers to other countries.
The Registrar, who was represented by the Deputy Registrar Dr. Victor Kolawole, disclosed this during the induction/oath-taking ceremony of 20 newly qualified doctors of Batch B Medicine and Surgery graduates at the Edo University, Uzairue 2022/2023.
She said the council was mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental and alternative medicine in Nigeria, adding that, “in 2023 as a result of the increase in migration of doctors to other countries, only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practice licence.”
According to her, “By this induction of 20 new doctors into the health workforce in Nigeria, we hope that other institutions will follow suit even as the government has said that the quota should be increased in all our training centres.”
She, however, admonished the new medical inductees to uphold the sanctity of the profession and be law-abiding as the council is mandated to regulate the activities of the practitioners and as well punish offenders.
In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates and a proud moment for the university.
He, however, appreciated the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support of the university, saying with his support, the university operates its own teaching hospital, the Edo State University Teaching Hospital.
According to him, the significant upgrade of the Central Hospital, Auchi to Edo State University Teaching Hospital has enhanced facilities for the training of medical students and uplifted the standard of healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.
The vice chancellor stated that the university’s inception was a result of the need to address the growing demand for quality tertiary education in Edo State and Nigeria, having recognised that nurturing human capital through education is paramount for meaningful development.
Congratulating the newly qualified doctors on their significant achievement, he said their professional journey has just commenced, adding that he has the confidence that they will bring honour to the university and MDCN.
The guest lecturer at the occasion, Dr. Ofunre Eboreime, whose lecture was titled: “The Life That is Worth Living: A Doctor is in the Service to God and Humanity,” said doctors are revered for medical expertise dedicated to alleviating human suffering and promote health services.
He said becoming a doctor required sacrifices, a special kind of dedication, a high level of selflessness and a strong desire to help others.
On her part, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, appreciated the vice chancellor for the recorded achievement since the establishment of the university.
