Newly inducted medical doctors of Babcock University have been urged to play active roles in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system by embracing professionalism, compassion, and ethical medical practice.
The charge was given by Medical Elder, Professor Stephen Obaro, during the university’s 11th Medical Induction Ceremony, where 70 newly qualified doctors were formally inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) at the university’s Amphitheatre.
Delivering the induction lecture, Prof. Obaro outlined 10 principles for staying focused and grounded in the medical profession, urging the new doctors to uphold their oath of service and remain committed to patient care with integrity, compassion, and excellence.
He cautioned against allowing financial considerations to become the sole determinant of career choices, particularly amid the growing wave of medical professionals emigrating abroad in search of better opportunities.
According to him, while migration remains a personal choice, doctors must carefully weigh the professional and personal implications and continue contributing to the development of Nigeria’s healthcare system wherever they may be.
“Build an informed decision about migration. Weigh the personal and professional trade-offs. Understand that migration does not preclude contributing to Nigeria’s healthcare system,” he said.
Prof. Obaro noted that Nigeria has lost at least 16,000 doctors to brain drain over the past five years, leaving only about 55,000 actively practising doctors to cater to a population exceeding 220 million. The situation, he said, has resulted in a doctor-to-patient ratio of approximately 1:3,600 to 1:4,000, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of 1:600.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the President and Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor Afolarin Ojewole, reminded the inductees of the realities of modern healthcare, including emerging health challenges, technological advancements, widening health inequalities, and increasingly complex ethical issues.
“You will serve in a world confronted by evolving health challenges, technological advancements, widening health disparities, and complex ethical questions,” he said.
He urged the new doctors to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution through exemplary character, leadership, and service.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the MDCN, Dr. Fatimah Kyari, also charged the graduates to uphold the ethics of the medical profession and avoid all forms of malpractice.
“The medical profession is a noble one and we must never forget to uphold the ethics we have sworn to keep. Medicine is not just a profession; it is a calling. Hold on to your passion, protect your integrity, and never stop learning,” she advised.
Earlier, the Provost of the Benjamin Carson (Babcock) School of Medicine, Professor Adeola Fowotade, encouraged the newly inducted doctors to build on the strong foundation laid during their years of training. She also commended faculty members for their commitment and dedication to mentoring the graduates.
The ceremony’s highlight was the recognition of Dr. Esther Tope-Awe, who emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the Orion 11 Class.
Describing the achievement as “unreal,” Dr. Tope-Awe attributed her success to God, her family, friends, and mentors who supported her throughout her academic journey.
In recognition of her outstanding performance, she received ₦250,000 from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), an additional ₦250,000 from the NMA Secretary, and an award from the Ogun State Chapter of Women in Medicine.
The induction ceremony reaffirmed Babcock University’s commitment to producing highly skilled and ethically grounded medical professionals equipped to contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.
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