On Monday, 18 May, the Oduduwa Hall of Obafemi Awolowo University was filled with excitement, pride and emotion as the College of Health Sciences inducted 157 graduands into the medical profession during the 2026 Medical and Dental Professional Induction Ceremony.
The event witnessed the formal induction of 125 Medical graduates and 32 Dental graduates into the professions of Medicine and Dentistry under the supervision of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The ceremony commenced with a colourful procession of graduands led by the Faculty Secretary, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, followed by the academic procession led by the Faculty Secretary of the Faculty of Dentistry. The Vice-Chancellor/MDCN/Provost procession, led by the College Secretary, later entered the hall amidst applause from parents, guardians, lecturers, alumni, and invited dignitaries.
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Proceedings officially opened with the rendition of the Nigerian National Anthem and the Great Ife Anthem, after which Abiodun Olarenwaju, the Public Relations Officer of the university, introduced dignitaries seated on the high table.
Delivering the welcome address, the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof. B. O. Adegbehingbe, described the induction ceremony as ‘a day of profound honour, joy, and celebration’ for the College of Health Sciences.
She congratulated the graduating doctors and dentists for their resilience, sacrifice, and dedication throughout years of rigorous academic and clinical training.’ This graduating class has distinguished itself in a truly extraordinary way,’ she said.
Professor Adegbehingbe revealed that sixteen graduating doctors bagged honours, describing the feat as unprecedented and a reflection of the culture of excellence for which the College is known. According to her, several members of the graduating class had also gained international recognition through groundbreaking research, innovation, and academic contributions.
She recounted an emotional personal experience during the admission process when she had to deny her own daughter admission into the programme because another candidate scored slightly higher. ‘It was not an easy decision as a parent, but it was the right decision as an academic leader entrusted with preserving the integrity of this institution,’ she stated.
Charging the graduands, she reminded them that medicine and dentistry are sacred callings built on compassion, discipline, sacrifice, and service to humanity. ‘The day you stop feeling the weight of a patient’s suffering is the day you stop being a physician,’ she warned, adding that competence without compassion remains dangerous in the profession.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Simeon Bamire, also congratulated the graduands, describing the induction as a historic milestone marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to humanity.
He praised the graduating class for displaying exceptional brilliance and resilience despite the challenges encountered during their training years. ‘The astounding results distinguished by an unprecedented number of graduates finishing with honours reaffirm the enduring tradition of world-class scholarship for which OAU is globally renowned,’ he said.
Professor Bamire urged the new doctors never to allow the pressures within the healthcare system to erode their humanity and ethical values. ‘In moments of ethical uncertainty, let unyielding integrity be the internal compass that guides your clinical decisions,’ he charged.
The Vice-Chancellor further appreciated the management and staff of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex for providing the clinical environment and mentorship necessary for the training of the graduands. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of parents, guardians, alumni, and philanthropists who continue to support medical education within the institution.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Professor J.A. Okeniyi, reminded the graduands that the oath they were about to take was more than a ritual. ‘It is a covenant to serve humanity with compassion, integrity, and excellence,’ he said.
Professor Okeniyi noted that medicine goes beyond knowledge and technical skill, stressing that kindness and empathy remain unforgettable aspects of patient care. ‘Patients may forget the drugs prescribed, but they will never forget the kindness shown to them,’ he stated.
He urged the newly inducted doctors to embrace innovation, research, leadership, and advocacy while remaining humble and committed to redefining healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond.
The administration and affirmation of oaths were conducted by the Registrar of the MDCN, Prof. Fatima Kyari, who was represented by the Head of Registration of MDCN, Tijani Mandaka.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding graduands. The Best Graduating Medical Student award went to Dr Boluwatife Olive Akindele, while Dr Precious Fiyinfunoluwa Akande emerged as the Best Graduating Dental Student. Both awardees received cash prizes in recognition of their academic excellence.
The valedictory speech was delivered by the class representative, Dr Oduntan Daniel Toluwani, who reflected on the years of intense training, shared experiences, sacrifices, and triumphs that shaped the graduating class. He expressed appreciation to lecturers, mentors, parents, and colleagues for their unwavering support throughout the academic journey.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. M.Y. Ijadunola, who appreciated the university management, faculty members, parents, and guests for contributing to the success of the event.
The induction ceremony marked another milestone in the history of the College of Health Sciences as the institution released a new generation of medical and dental professionals into the healthcare sector, with repeated calls for compassion, ethical leadership, innovation, and excellence in service to humanity.