MDCN Inducts 101 New Babcock Graduate Doctors

Funmi Ogundare

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), yesterday inducted 101 new medical doctors from Benjamin Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

The 10th induction ceremony, held at the university’s Amphitheatre, saw 32 graduates honoured with distinctions, with Dr. Chisom Emmanuella Okafor emerging as the overall best graduating student.

Dr. Okafor, who aspires to become a surgeon and medical researcher, earned an impressive 10 distinctions across key medical disciplines, including Family Medicine, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Physiology.

She was awarded N400,000 by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and N500,000 by an anonymous donor in recognition of her academic excellence.

Representing the MDCN Registrar and CEO, Dr. Fatima Kyari, the Head of Registration, Dr. Tijani Alli, charged the new doctors to uphold professionalism, empathy, and integrity in their practice.

“Skills are very important in the practice of Medicine. As doctors, know what you are doing and ensure that you are not subjected to disciplinary measures throughout your practice. Duty of care to your patients is paramount,” he stated.

He stressed the importance of competence and continuous professional development, urging them to renew their licenses promptly and respect senior colleagues.

The President and Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Philemon Amanze, noted that the country’s doctor-to-patient ratio remains critically low, with only about 55,000 registered doctors serving over 220 million Nigerians, far below the WHO recommendation of 10 doctors per 10,000 people.

He expressed concern over the ongoing brain drain, with over 16,000 Nigerian doctors emigrating in search of better working conditions.

Prof. Tayo emphasised the toll this exodus has taken on the healthcare system, citing persistent maternal and infant mortality, overburdened hospitals, and service delivery setbacks.

“Maternal and infant mortality remain high with more than 82,000 women dying annually from pregnancy- related complications. Private hospitals are also struggling to retain skilled personnel, leading to long queues, service delays and burnout among remaining staff,” he stated.

He urged the new doctors to embody values such as lifelong learning, ethical integrity, compassion, collaboration, and faith principles he described as essential to a fulfilling and impactful medical career.

In his paper titled, ‘Medical Practice as a Catalyst for National Development’, Prof. John Sotunsa, Provost of the College, emphasised the broad social impact of medical practice. According to him, a healthy population strengthens education, boosts productivity, reduces poverty, and fosters stable communities.

He encouraged the doctors to champion public health, address root causes of health issues, and advocate for universal health coverage.

“Our work in health has ripple effects. As it strengthens education, by keeping children healthy and in school, it drives economic productivity, by ensuring workers are fit and able, it reduces poverty, by lowering the burden of catastrophic health spending without forgetting to stabilise families and communities, by extending life and dignity. When you treat one patient, you heal a family, empower a community and build a nation,” he said.

A Consultant Family Physician and Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, lamented the limited access to healthcare in Nigeria due to poor investment in research and the migration of skilled professionals. She called for a collective effort to reverse this trend through enhanced research, rural health development, and specialised care delivery.

“Addressing these challenges, will need all hands to be on deck and commitment towards the process must be unwavering through championing research, improving healthcare in rural areas and delivering specialised medical care.”

To the inductees, she said: “You are about to begin a journey that can transform healthcare in Nigeria. Let the values you have learned guide you. Stay humble, remain committed to lifelong learning, and remember, teamwork is key to your success.”