Don’t Japa, Stay and Train Others, MDCN Begs Newly Inducted UI Doctors

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Fatima Kyari, has urged newly inducted doctors and dental surgeons from the University of Ibadan (UI) to resist the growing trend of relocating abroad and instead commit to staying back in Nigeria to train and mentor the next generation of medical professionals.

Dr. Kyari gave the charge on Monday during the oath-taking and presentation of provisional licences to the 2025 graduating class of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi-Gate, Oyo State.

Addressing the new doctors, she said many of the professionals who trained them had also chosen to stay in Nigeria despite the allure of better opportunities abroad, stressing that it was now their turn to give back.

“As I look around, I see doctors who are my peers. They stayed here to practice and to train you. Where would you be if they were not here? Feel the responsibility to also stay and train more doctors,” Kyari said. “Every week, I sign off quite a number of global verifications for doctors intending to practise in other countries. But doctors trained in Nigeria are of the highest standards and can fit in anywhere in the world.”

She encouraged the new inductees to embrace empathy and integrity in their practice, reminding them that medicine is not just about skill but about compassion and patient-centred care.

“Every patient you encounter is a person with hopes, fears, and a unique story. Treat them with respect and kindness. Leave no one behind,” she advised.

Dr. Kyari also expressed optimism about ongoing reforms in the health sector under the current administration, noting that the MDCN is working to align with government efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and workforce development.

“We believe there is renewed hope for our nation and our profession. At MDCN, we’re committed to shaping the healthcare workforce ecosystem by supporting institutions to increase their intake of medical and dental students,” she added.

In his remarks, Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran, Provost of the College of Medicine, appealed to parents, philanthropists, and alumni to support the institution in addressing its infrastructural challenges.

He lamented the poor condition of facilities and equipment, noting that many buildings date back to the university’s early years.

“Our buildings are old, our equipment overused, and our students often have to study under very harsh conditions. Electricity and water supply are inconsistent. We appeal to all stakeholders to come to the aid of the Ibadan Medical School,” Ogundiran said.

Also speaking at the ceremony, UI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, charged the inductees to be ambassadors of excellence and integrity, not only for the university but also for the medical profession.

“You are entering the profession at a time when the Nigerian health system needs your innovation, resilience, and unwavering integrity. Be the physician who sees the human being behind every illness,” Adebowale urged.

He encouraged them to continue learning, researching, and innovating in healthcare delivery, describing medicine as a lifelong journey of discovery.

“Let the ‘Ibadan brand’ be synonymous with competence, empathy, and ethical practice wherever you go. Be leaders and problem-solvers in our healthcare system,” the VC concluded.