VC raises concerns over incessant relocation of medical doctors to other countries

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, expressed his concern over the increasing rates of Nigerian medics relocating abroad for greener pasture.

He stated that, “it is disheartening to note that we may have just trained you to become asset to other countries…leaving the country unable to benefit from the investments it made in your training.

The VC stated this while declaring open the 37th Induction ceremony of the Batch B of 2021 Medical Graduands of the College of Health Sciences held at the University Auditorium.

He congratulated the graduands on the successful completion of their training, stressing that, “Let me make it clear to you that the nation needs your service dearly and is willing to benefit from your expertise”.

Stressing that the University will continue to provide an enabling environment for the training of medical practitioners and other health workers, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the ‘Better by Far’ institution is the only University in the country that did not lose any academic session despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It therefore comes as no surprise that “our MB;BS programme is largely over-subscribed by prospective applicants because of our stable academic calendar’’, he said.

Speaking at the event, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Olanrewaju T. Adedoyin, expressed his confidence in the 11 Inductees to keep up the nobility of the medical profession while encouraging them to dream big, plan accordingly, and conduct their practice in the highest standard.

Adedoyin appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his huge and unprecedented support to the College, disclosing that Prof. Abdulkareem is providing remarkable support for the resource verification for the Dentistry programme.

Among several other supports being given to the College, the Provost highlighted that “the University recently approved the takeoff of the Institute of Medical Research and Training that would further enhance research in all health-related issues; a Molecular Diagnostic and Research Laboratory was opened in the College that would also further enhance research; and the Construction of the WHO Collaborating Center for Community Based Education and Manpower Development (otherwise known as COBES Building) in Shao has been completed and ready for commissioning”.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Baba Issa, in his address, also encouraged the graduands to contribute their quota to the Nigerian healthcare system and not be discouraged by the challenges they may come across.

The chairman, who was represented by the Vice-Chairman, NMA, Dr. Rotimi Sulaiman, enjoined the graduands to remain great ambassadors of the profession and the University, adding that the certificate is not only a testament of learning, but also of worthy character, which they must continuously demonstrate wherever they go. He then gave the assurance that the NMA will continue to prioritize their welfare and offer support at all times.

Highlights of the event included the oath affirmation by the graduands, and the citation reading of two medical elders, Prof. W. B. R. Johnson and Dr. (Mrs.) Sidiquat Oyinlola Folorunsho.

Also present at the ceremony were the Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof. Ibraheem Adeola Katibi; the Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Prof. A. A. Akanbi, and the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. O. B. Akinola, among others.