The Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), Professor Olayinka O. Omigbodun, on Friday, June 2, 2023, appealed to 33 medical doctors newly inducted into the medical profession to be patriotic to Nigeria, the country that has made them who they are.
Omigbodun stated this at the induction ceremony into the medical profession for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Graduating Class of 2023 (Batch B).
Feeling uncomfortable at the high level at which doctors trained in Nigerian universities at a subsidized rate are migrating in large numbers to developed countries, Omigbodun emphasized the need for African medical practitioners to stay and develop the continent.
She pointed out that travelling abroad without a tangible purpose would not bring any good to anyone, reiterating that they should have the mindset of contributing to the building of Nigeria.
Noting that she had the opportunity to relocate outside the country but choose to stay back and build Nigeria, she stated, “I am very happy that I stay in Nigeria and I have had a great impact on the African continent”.
In her address titled, “When life gives you lemons, make a great lemonade drink out of it: In praise of our Platinum”, Omigbodun urged the doctor to make the best of any situation they find themselves in.
Noting that difficulties transform life for the better, she encouraged them to add the necessary ingredients that would make their lemon to be consumable.
The provost urged them not to feel bad because they spent nine years in the College instead of six years, adding that having difficulty in life is not a good reason to give up.
Acknowledging how battered they were by the storm of life and wind and the season of trials they have gone through, she expected them to turn into good counsellors and be of great assistance to people who would find themselves in similar situations.
She rounded off by urging the new inductees to have the spirit of giving back to the college and the University of Ibadan (UI|) at large. She also urged all the Alumni, corporate organisations, philanthropists, and other well-wishers to support the new hostel project and to be part of the Sponsor A Student Programme (SASP), to keep students who are indigent in school.
The President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Worldwide, Professor Dipo Otolorin, encouraged the new doctors to venture into politics and make National Assembly their priority.
Otolorin wanted them to go to the National Assembly to make good laws for the medical profession and Nigeria in general.
He reiterated that doctors should be at the decision table rather than leaving decisions that determine their future in the hands of selfish politicians, stressing that the only way to improve Nigeria is to have patriotic and selfless leaders manning the affairs of the country.
According to him, foreigners cannot develop Nigeria because their priority is to cart away the nation’s resources, thus it is only Nigerians that can develop their country.
He further told the new doctors that the UI certificate is respected all over the world, therefore, they must do their best to protect the image of the College and UI.
He urged them to earn their respect by having good carriage and caring for their patients and people.
He also admonished them to give back to their alma mater whenever they can do that, saying that nothing is small to donate to the sustenance of the College.
In his farewell speech, the Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo rejoiced with the new doctors for what they have accomplished.
Otegbayo, who was represented by the Head, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Professor Michael Abiola Okunlola, said, “The most awaited day of your foundational journey as Medical Doctors has come. This time will sum up all the different emotions and struggles that you have had throughout your seven years of stay in your Alma Mater. This will not be the end but also the beginning of another milestone that you will be facing in your lives.”
“I can proudly say without any ambiguity that you are leaving the Hospital well-equipped to face the new challenges ahead. Our ethos of ‘Shared Vision for Excellence’ is the essential currency that will help you to navigate the uncharted waters of our 21st-century society with all its uncertainties”, he added.
He urged them to make a difference as they go into the world.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Registrar and Secretary to the College, A. E. Odedele said the day was a day of celebration saying, “We, therefore, celebrate the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness in the lives of our successful inductees and their proud and happy parents, guardians, families and friends.”
“The degree certificate of the nation’s best University and the number 1 College of Medicine in Africa is no mean achievement. Indeed, it has been a long and tortuous journey but God has been gracious to you. The College is truly happy and we celebrate you”, he added.
