Over 453,440 Students Applied To Study Medicine In Nigeria Universities In 2023, Says Bazuaye

By Raphael Okhiria

A Professor of Hematology and Stem Cells Transplanology at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Nosakhare Bazuaye, has disclosed that over 452,440 Students had applied to study medicine in Nigerian universities in 2023.

Prof. Bazuaye, stated this as the guest lecturer at the induction oath/taking ceremony of the newly qualified 2023/2024 Batch A Medicine and Surgery graduates of the Edo State University Uzairue.

Bazuaye whose lecture was titled: “Now A Doctor, What Next”, described a doctor as above average intelligent individuals trained and certified in the act of medicine to manage both physical and mental health of the individuals.

He said further that a doctor must be willing to go the extra miles to save lives in line with the Hippocratic oath and he must also have good character and passion to save lives.

The professor of Transplanology, revealed that the Nigerian doctors of today have no adequate facilities to practice and poorly paid even when they can survive anywhere in the world.

The guest lecturer hinted that medical practice in Nigeria can not be separated from the Nigeria current situation, hence, there should be a good health insurance policy to improve practice, better pay salaries, improve facilities for practice and make working environment conducive for doctors to make the difference wherever they found themselves.

Dr. Fatima Kyari, Registrar, MDCN said the medical graduates are now certified as doctors to work in any health facility in the country.

Dr. Kyari, represented by Dr. Victor Kolawole, Deputy Registrar of the council emphasised the importance of adhering to the rules of professional conduct, which are ethical guidelines binding on every doctors in Nigeria.

“As doctors you must have passion and humanity. The ethics in the profession must be upheld,” Kolawole said

In his opening address, the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dawood Omolumen Egbefo, said the event marks a pivotal moment in the lives of the graduates and a proud occasion to the university as it inducted 46 newly qualified medical doctors for the 2023/2024 Batch A Medicine and Surgery graduates.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the executive governor of the state, Mr Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering steadfastness, support and efforts in sustaining the university especially the transformation of the central hospital in Auchi to Edo State University Uzairue teaching hospital which advancement has greatly improved the facilities available for the training of the university medical students and elevated healthcare standard in Edo North and its environs.

He equally appealed to the state government to continue to enhance the facilities at the Teaching Hospital which its improvement will significantly strengthen healthcare services, advance medical education and attract qualified professional while also beneficial to the local economy.

Prof Egbefo also thanked the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for the provisional approval for MBBS Programme which paved the way for the graduation of the first medical students in March.

He said the Edo State University Uzairue which was established in 2016 with 3 faculties and 8 programmes now boast of 9 faculties and over 30 undergraduate programs all accredited by the National Universities Commission and other relevant professional bodies, which also includes PGD, Masters, MBA, MPA, MPhil, and PhD degrees across various disciplines.

According to him, the university remain committed to fostering academic excellence, innovation and holistic development as Its take pride in achievements and anticipate continued growth and impact in the future has received commendations from regulatory bodies and International organizations.

Worthy to note according to him is the university modern teaching technologies especially the anatomy which is the first in West Africa in teaching medical students and also the CANVAS Learning Management System.

Prof Egbefo, while congratulating the newly qualified medical doctors, expressed confidence that they will bring honour to the university and the medical profession, reminded them of the profound responsibilities being a doctor said the noble profession demand not only deep compassion but also an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and dedication adding that as future leaders of healthcare, they bear the weighty responsibility of caring for the sick and vulnerable.

In his welcome address, Ag Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Dr Kenneth Atoe said the gathering mark a significant milestone in the journey of the graduates as they are about to embark on their professional journey.

He said the university’s commitment to innovation and excellence is evident in the unique curriculum which employs a competency-based pedagogy towards early exposure of the students to clinical settings, preparing them for the realities of medical practice.

“The quality of training offered here is exceptional and our products are highly competitive. We are proud of the well rounded medical professionals we have nurtured and we are confident that they will make a positive impact”, he added.

While congratulating the newly qualified doctors, said as they begin their career they should remember that medicine is not just a profession but a calling, it requires compassion, empathy and kindness as it demand to put the need of others before their own and strive for excellence in every aspect of their work.

He said they should always remember the oath to uphold the highest standards of medical practice, commitment to respect the autonomy of their patients to maintain confidentiality and to act with integrity.

He however advised them to always remember that they are not just representatives of themselves but the institution, and the medical profession as a whole and should always remember why they chose to become a doctor, stay curious, keep learning and embrace lifelong education; they should always practice with compassion, empathy and kindness; uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethics.

Highpoints of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to Miss Idris Aisha Sina who set a record of receiving a total of 12 awards including that of the best female and overall best.

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