Bingham University, Karu in Nasarawa State, has inducted 80 doctors into the medical profession, bringing the total number of medical doctors it has produced since inception to 629.
The institution’s vice chancellor, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, while speaking during the induction ceremony in Jos, the Plateau State capital, commended the graduates for their perseverance and skill in completing the rigorous six-year clinical programme.
He urged the new medical doctors to dedicate their professional pursuits to the nation’s development and humanity’s welfare.
In his words, “Bingham University is one of the universities in Nigeria uniquely positioned to train medical doctors.
I understand the ratio of medical doctors to our country’s population is one doctor to 5000, whereas the World Health Organization recommended a ratio of 1 Doctor to 600 of the population.
“In addition to this worrisome ratio, an estimated 16,000 doctors have left Nigeria over the last five years alone through the Japa syndrome. Bingham University is helping to fill the workforce gap in the medical and dental profession. “
He challenged the inductees not to leave the shores of Nigeria but to stay back to salvage the deteriorating healthcare system.
The vice chancellor added, “Today marks a significant milestone in the history of Bingham University as we induct the 2016/2017 set of university-trained medical doctors and dentists.
“I heartily congratulate our 80 MBBS graduates who have worked tirelessly to be counted amongst those worthy to partake in this event today. Out of the 80, there are 46 females and 34 males. I am more excited that we are churning out more female doctors than male doctors.
“This means we are strategically raising educated generations as these will ensure their children do better.
He said, “With their induction and oath-taking ceremony, you have accepted to work with the highest sense of professionalism and ethical standards.
“You must go out there and provide high-quality medical and dental services to Nigeria and the world. You must adhere strictly to the codes and ethics of your profession.”