THE University of Ibadan, in line with its mission to produce graduates who are worthy in character and sound judgment, has inducted 34 physiotherapists and 35 nurses to boost the nation’s capacity to provide quality healthcare.
Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Yinka Omigbodun, speaking at the induction ceremonies, recognised the tenacity of the inductees to finish their training despite the challenges they encountered.
Represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Provost, Professor Fatai Adeniyi, Omigbodun stated that the university expects that the new inductees maintain its reputation, be hardworking, reliable, loyal and selfless in their profession.
According to her, “if you have graduated from University of Ibadan, we assume that you have had the best in training and we expect that you be the best in your career.”
Professor Omigbodun asked for support both from their parents and the new inductees for the college and its many projects, like the sponsorship of a student programme and the construction of hostel blocks for students of the college.
She said, “Things are getting out of reach; support from the government is dwindling each day and the University of Ibadan needs to keep afloat. Many students have difficulty paying fees and, as it is, things will change with fees, so it makes it important that we have support from Nigerians to support indigent students.”
Registrar, Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria, Dr Olufunke Akanle, represented by Mrs Bendicta Dumebi-Ndika, said the induction into the physiotherapy profession has imposed on them the challenges of having to henceforth stand tall in integrity, provide professional service and uphold high ethical and professional standards.
Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Dr Faruk Abubakar, speaking through Mrs Eleanor Nwaka, while receiving the 35 inductees into the nursing profession, said a lot is expected from them in providing healthcare and understanding the psycho-social and physical factors involved in the elimination of suffering, promotion and sustenance of health.
Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences at the university, who presented the inductees for acceptance into the nursing and physiotherapy professions, told them to ponder on the words of the oath they took as well as learn and acquire more skills to be able to fulfill the mandates of their professions.
President of Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Worldwide, Professor Dipo Otolorin, appealed to the Federal Government to amend the centralisation of the health sector and the student loan policy so that it can be helpful to students who need it.
“The overcentralisation of healthcare services in Nigeria is not working; it needs to be amended. There have to be some other ways to have a smooth hiring process, such that when people leave, they are replaced.
“We are happy that the student loan policy has been approved but after reading through the conditions, I am not quite sure that it meets our needs.”
So, again, I call on the government and the National Assembly to review the student loan policy. As it is, it is not helping the students that it is supposed to help,” Otolorin said.
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