The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) on Monday inducted 122 graduates of Medicine and Surgery from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).
The MDCN Registrar, Dr Fatima Kyari, administered the oath of practice and inducted the new doctors, charging them to view their profession as a call to service to humanity.
Kyari, who was represented by Dr Muntari Madaka, emphasised the importance of strict adherence to professional conduct and ethical guidelines that govern medical practice in Nigeria.
She urged the inductees to value the privilege of joining the profession, noting that thousands of Nigerians aspire to the opportunity.
The registrar reminded them of their critical role in society, stressing that their professional journey begins immediately upon induction.
She added that medical practice is procedural and hierarchical, built on mutual respect and cooperation.
“The profession is patient-centred, and I am confident that your lecturers and tutors have adequately prepared you for the challenges ahead.
“You must embrace the ongoing transformation in healthcare service delivery,” she said.
According to her, the MDCN remains committed to expanding medical school intake and strengthening healthcare delivery in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She cautioned the doctors against unlicensed practice and urged them to seek mentorship and specialization, noting that the medical profession is becoming increasingly complex.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bashir Garba, reminded the inductees of their responsibilities, particularly towards the sick and vulnerable.
“This noble profession demands not only compassion but also an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and dedication.
“As future leaders in healthcare, you carry the heavy responsibility of caring for the sick and vulnerable with professionalism and integrity,” he said.
Garba commended the MDCN and the National Universities Commission (NUC) for increasing the admission quota from 150 to 300, describing it as a landmark achievement.
He also praised the College of Health Sciences for its dedication and resilience, and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to research and scholarship development.
The Chairman of the occasion and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu, urged the new doctors to practice with empathy, integrity and professionalism.
Sununu encouraged them to uphold the ethics of the profession and called on parents to continue supporting their children in their medical careers.
He described the healthcare sector as rapidly evolving, with complex challenges that require innovation and high professional standards.
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Abdulgafar Jimo, said the graduates had been equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers.
Jimo commended the institution’s resilience and called on government and other stakeholders to sustain support and investment in medical education.
He described the induction as the culmination of years of discipline, sacrifice and resilience.
“This induction marks your transition into a lifetime of service to humanity,” he said.
Of the 122 inductees, 33 were female and 89 male, drawn from different parts of the country.
The event was attended by the Chief Medical Director of Usmanu Danfodiyo Teaching Hospital, Prof. Anas Samir; the Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Yakubu Augie; the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Faruk Wurno; and other dignitaries.
Some of the inductees expressed gratitude to their parents and lecturers for their support, pledging to use their training to positively impact society.
