DELSU: See Your Induction Into The Medical Profession As Service To Humanity, Registrar Advises Fresh Doctors

By Ben Nwanne

A call has gone to “freshly minted” doctors at the Delta State University Abraka (DELSU) to see their swearing in/oath taking as a sacred service to humanity, rather than an opportunity to make quick money.

The advice was given yesterday, Monday, December 12, 2023, during the oath taking/swearing in ceremony of the 15th set of 40 medical doctors at the main Campus of the University by the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi who urged the young doctors to conduct themselves in a respectable and professional manner, adding that the Council, being a creation of the law, did not treat matters of professional misconduct with levity.

“Our responsibilities are purely professional, not political”, he reminded the young doctors.

The vastly experienced medical doctor warned the green-horn medical doctors to shun the idea of ‘strikes’ as they were detrimental to the health care delivery system to which they have sworn to protect.

Dr. Sanusi who administered the oath to the new doctors in an elaborate ceremony at the 750 Hall A, reputed for hosting important events, lauded the Delta State University Abraka for being a ‘good partner’ in training the highly qualified doctors.

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In addition, he commended the University for being law abiding by adhering to its admission quota and for admitting the provost of the College as a Member of the Governing Council of the University.

The No.1 medical practitioner of Nigeria advised that the Central Hospital, Warri should be made an annex of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara (DELSUTH), citing the high patient load at Warri.

His argument, he said, was further based on the fact that the University was asking for about a 100 percent increase in admission quota from its present 120 to at least 250, adding that “the desired increase may not be too far from us”.

He warned the doctors not to betray their oaths which were scrupulously administered, insisting that disciplinary issues were handled discretely and seriously.

His words. “Do not think you can do anything and get away with it. You are under the radar of the public. No patient will allow himself or herself to be attended to by a doctor who just came out of jail or who has criminal tendencies”.

Dr. Sanusi used the opportunity to advise the fresh doctors against the idea of leaving the country i.e the ‘Japa syndrome.’

Speaking from his rich experience garnered over many years of studying and working abroad, the first rate medical doctor explained that in the long run, it would be a wrong idea.

He insisted that Nigeria needed the doctors more than other countries.

He pricked the conscience of the doctors by asking a few rhetorical questions such as: if your lecturers had ‘japaed’ who would have taught you? How about your parents, your families?”

Welcoming guests to the occasion, the Provost of the College of Health Services, Delta State University, Abraka, Professor Emmanuel Odokuma, expressed joy at the ‘harvest’ of 40 doctors, adding that over 20 years ago when “the likes of Professors AU Igun, LN Ajabor, TS Emudianughe, CP Aloamaka enabled the commencement of the medical programmes in this citadel of learning little did they realize it would blossom to a beautiful pearl that has today crystalized to the 15th set of graduating doctors”.

Professor Odokuma told the audience, the largest in recent times at the venue, that DELSU had up-to-date facilities, graciously provided by previous administrations, adding that the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa administration facilitated the employment of over 50 specialists into the Medical School thereby further consolidating the programme with highly skilled and certified medical trainers.

While expressing gratitude to the Delta State Government, the Delta State University Management and the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the reactivation of the Dentistry programme, he called for more provisions for the Dentistry programme, being perhaps, the only School of Dentistry in Delta State at the moment.

He used the opportunity to reiterate the College’s desire to have its admission quota increased to at least 250 “because we have the capacity to train more, as we are in desperate need for these doctors to maintain and sustain the health care needs in our state”.

Speaking at the occasion, an elated Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Egwunyenga, congratulated the new doctors on their achievements, adding that the graduation of the 15th set of 40 medical doctors, 23 of whom are women, showed that DELSU had come of age and had become exceptional and resilient inspite of the challenges of the times.

The professor of Parasitology and Public Health expressed gratitude to all those involved in the training and support of the “young great professionals”, particularly the lecturers, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, a Member of Senate of DELSU, the entire Government Delta State for providing an enabling environment, and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for its excellent regulatory framework.

He reminded them to take their oath seriously and positively project the profession and DELSU in good light.

As he put it, “You’ll be going out to do exploits. The burden of transforming the health sector is placed on your shoulders, despite being very young doctors”.

The Vice-Chancellor who has been giving DELSU an enlightened and committed leadership for the past four years expressed his excitement as the University had turned out 40 well trained doctors to advance knowledge, character and service in keeping with the famous DELSU motto. “As you go, do not forget your alma mater”, he urged them.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was not left out at the event as the Chairman of the Delta State branch of the Association, Dr. Carter Okolakpa welcomed them into the medical profession with gifts bearing the insignia of the association, assuring them that their welfare would always be taken care of.

Also at the occasion, a senior member of the profession, Dr. Francis Nwachokor who presented a lecture entitled “The Role of Pathology in Medicine showed experience, which is often said to be the best teacher (doctor!).

The lecture which was apparently well received by the young doctors had as its take home, the fact “pathologists must work in collaboration with other departments in medicine; they must not work in isolation and require adequate clinical information for optimal performance”.

Expectedly, it was also a reaping time for those who had sown bountifully as some of the doctors who distinguished themselves in different areas were identified and honoured with a medal and certificate of honour.

However, two of the doctors, a lady and gentleman, tied as overall best graduating students.

The two outstanding doctors were Dr. Rita Charles and Dr. Kris Idion who both gave their valedictory speeches.

The Vice-Chancellor, had in closing the occasion, promised automatic employment for the two outstanding doctors on completion of their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).