The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) inducted 74 graduates of Medicine and Surgery from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), on Tuesday. The new doctors, comprising 57 males and 17 females from across Nigeria, were inducted during a ceremony led by Dr. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the MDCN.
During the oath-taking and induction ceremony, Dr. Kyari urged the graduates to see their achievement as a call to serve humanity. She emphasized the importance of adhering to professional ethics and highlighted the patient-centered nature of medical practice. “Medical practice is procedural and hierarchical, built on mutual respect and reciprocity,” Kyari stated. She also encouraged the inductees to embrace healthcare innovations and continue their commitment to delivering high-quality care.
Kyari further affirmed MDCN’s commitment to expanding medical school intakes and strengthening healthcare delivery, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Prof. Bashir Garba, Vice-Chancellor of UDUS, reminded the inductees of their responsibilities as doctors. He emphasized the need for compassion, lifelong learning, and professionalism in their practice. “This noble profession demands not only deep compassion but also unwavering commitment and dedication,” Garba noted. He also commended the School of Health Sciences for its excellence and pledged continued investment in academic and research development.
Former Vice-Chancellor of UDUS and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu, urged the new doctors to uphold professional ethics and called on their families to support them throughout their medical journeys. He also described the evolving healthcare sector and stressed the importance of high standards and innovation.
The Deputy Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Abdulgafar Jimoh, praised the resilience of the graduates and called for continued support from the government and stakeholders in advancing medical education and healthcare.
The Chief of Staff to the Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Dahiru Maccido, also addressed the ceremony, highlighting the state’s prioritization of healthcare. He announced that Governor Nasir Idris had approved the recruitment of 500 medical personnel and the establishment of a new Kebbi State University Teaching Hospital.
Awards were presented to outstanding graduates. Dr. Yusuf Ahovi was named the Overall Best Graduating Doctor, while Dr. Yakubu Mariam received the award for the Best Female Medical Doctor.
The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Prof. Anas Samir, Chief Medical Director of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital; Dr. Faruk Shehu, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Sokoto State; and other key stakeholders from the medical and academic communities. The inductees expressed their gratitude to their families, mentors, and the university, pledging to use their knowledge to positively impact society.
