By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Twenty Five pioneer graduates of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University medical school were, on Thursday 28th March, 2024, inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Speaking during the maiden induction ceremony held at the Yelwa campus of the University, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Fatima Kyari, described the induction ceremony as unique.
According to her, it is the first time the university is graduating Medical Doctors; and for her, it is the first Induction ceremony she is attending as the 1st female and the 10th Registrar of the MDCN which was established 61 years ago.
“It is therefore my wish, that you will no sooner rank among the first in the production of quality human resources for health care in Nigeria,” she said.
She challenged the management to note that accreditation is a continuous process and that they must not rest on their oars towards maintaining excellence in medical education pointing that Basic Sciences and Basic Medical Sciences trainers must be medically qualified.
Addressing the inductees, the Registrar informed them that at the end of the successful completion of their housemanship, they are required to apply for Full Registration (FR) which will be their professional certification and without which, they won’t be allowed to practice and will also not be able to proceed for their one year mandatory National Youth Service Corp programme.
The Registrar reminded the inductees that the Medical and Dental Profession Worldwide is done under close watch by colleagues, members of the public and the regulatory agencies, warning that any report of misconduct against a doctor in a professional regard is duly investigated by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigating Panel (MDPIP).
She said: “Remember, for that one slot that you got to study medicine in this university, there were 60 other people who wanted it too but didn’t get it.
“Because you stand out in society, and for the safety of patients, I cannot overemphasise the importance of upholding the ethics of the medical profession and the expected conduct of doctors. Erring and defaulting doctors will face the law and will be subjected disciplinary measures.
“The practice of medicine is a calling. You need to dedicate yourself. Medicine has to do with human life. You will often find yourself away from your comfort zone, meeting people at their lowest moment.
“People who are sick and look up to you for care, and for cure. People who will be anxious to know that you are the right and competent person to treat them. The duty of care to patients is sacrosanct. Do your job and we will protect you and stand up for you. If you are not ready for this, now is the time to back out.”
She urged them to continue to study and to familiarise themselves with the Codes of Conduct and other regulatory policies of the Council and above all, ask questions and continue to learn from the very best, throughout their practice.
In his speech, the Provost, College of Medical Sciences ATBU, Professor Sambo Zailani, gave a brief of the establishment of the College, saying that ATBU was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria Act No. 79 of January 1988 as a University of Technology, adding that the enabling law of the University allows it to establish courses in Medical and Allied Medical Disciplines as cited in the Federal Government Gazette Vol. 79 of 1992.
According to him, the College of Medical Sciences successfully received the National University Commission’s resource verification and subsequent MDCN advisory visit on 2nd September 2016 with an intake slot of 50 medical students.
He said that the College of Medical Sciences formally took off at the Gubi Campus of the University with the first set of students (who are to be inducted today) were admitted in the 2016/2017 academic session.
The Provost said that six faculties were approved at the inception of the College namely: Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Faculty of Biomedical Engineering and Prosthesis.
“The Cardinal function of the College is to train medical graduates, but also to be involved in research and render clinical services to the community. The curriculum is designed to graduate medical doctors of international standard, with in-depth and vast knowledge of current state of medicine particularly in the tropics. When fully established, the college plans to offer training in Dentistry, Allied medical professions, and Biomedical Engineering and Prosthesis.
“The event is especially organized to allow our 25 graduating doctors to be inducted and take an Oath so that they can be licensed to practice as qualified medical doctors anywhere in the world. You will agree with me that this is a great achievement for the ATBU, Bauchi State and indeed, the nation at large,” he stated.
“Remember, that teamwork as a value is a sine qua non for optimal healthcare service delivery and should be upheld by all of you. Be great team players,” he said.