GUU Medical and Laboratory Science Graduates Inducted by MDCN and MLSCN
In a significant milestone for healthcare education, 35 medical doctors and 16 medical laboratory science graduates from Gregory University, Uturu (GUU) in Abia State have been inducted into provisional membership of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), respectively. The induction ceremonies, held on Friday in separate auditoria at the university, mark a critical step for these professionals to begin their careers, starting with mandatory one-year internships at approved institutions across Nigeria.
Induction Details and Ethical Warnings
The Registrars of MDCN, Professor Fatima Kyari, and MLSCN, Dr Donald Ibe Ofili, were represented by Dr Tijjani Mandaka and Dr Uchino Gregory Ashimedua, who conducted the oath-taking. They administered professional oaths and issued stern warnings that violations of ethical and professional standards could lead to sanctions, including revocation of membership or practicing licenses. This underscores the councils' commitment to maintaining high standards in the healthcare sector.
Among the inductees, the medical doctor cohort includes 17 females and 18 males, while the medical laboratory scientists consist of 5 females and 11 males. It was disclosed that approximately 150 medical institutions nationwide have been approved for the mandatory internship or housemanship training, providing ample opportunities for these graduates to gain practical experience.
University Leadership's Encouragement and Vision
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Proprietor of GUU, Professor Gregory Iyke Ibe, expressed satisfaction with the university's progress since its establishment in 2012. He highlighted his vision of massive human empowerment, particularly in the medical field, and urged the inductees to uphold the highest standards of practice, prioritize patient care, and contribute positively to healthcare. He emphasized that medicine is a noble profession requiring compassion, empathy, and dedication.
The Chancellor, Mr Ikechukwu Gregory Ibe Jr., tasked the graduates to be compassionate healers, ethical professionals, and courageous leaders as they embark on their careers. Similarly, the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, charged them to uphold the core values instilled by the university during their transition from learning to professional practice, encouraging them to be healers, comforters, and innovators.
Academic Guidance and Global Standards
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Celestina Njoku, advised the graduates against overconfidence and reliance solely on textbook knowledge. She stressed the importance of accurate laboratory investigation and reporting, noting that without medical laboratory scientists and precise results, doctors would merely be guessing treatments. This highlights the collaborative nature of modern healthcare.
The Provost of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor Shedrack Offia; the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Felix Erondu; and the Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr Emmanuel Okeh, all affirmed that the graduates were trained in line with global standards. They urged the inductees to maintain professionalism in their practice, whether in Nigeria or abroad, reinforcing the university's commitment to producing world-class healthcare professionals.
