MDCN inducts 70 Babcock doctors, warns against professional misconduct

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) inducted 70 newly qualified doctors from Babcock University in Ilisan‑Remo, Ogun State, yesterday.

Miss Esther Tope‑Awe was named the overall best graduating doctor, having earned distinctions in all ten courses she undertook during her training. For her academic excellence, she received a cash prize of N500,000 from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

During the 11th induction ceremony for the ORION XI Class of newly qualified medical doctors at the Benjamin Carson (senior) College of Health and Medical Sciences, Babcock University, MDCN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Prof. Fatima Kyari highlighted the council’s commitment to increasing both the number and quality of doctors in Nigeria. She noted that improved infrastructure has expanded training capacity.

Kyari urged the new doctors to recognise that the medical profession is both procedural and hierarchical, stressing the need to apply classroom knowledge in real‑world settings. She acknowledged the university’s supportive environment but emphasized that success in practice also requires empathy, compassion and the skills needed to navigate an ever‑evolving healthcare landscape.

“The vice‑chancellor has given you the environment to excel in your studies and fulfil your goals. You need empathy, compassion and the skills to navigate the ever‑evolving society and healthcare system. You need to rise to challenges and turn them into opportunities. Be leaders in your communities, which will require adaptability,” she said.

The registrar called on the newly inducted doctors to devote themselves fully to their housemanship, describing the programme as a crucial phase for shaping careers and honing clinical skills. She also warned that breaches of MDCN rules could lead to disciplinary sanctions, including appearances before the council’s investigative panel.

Kyari praised parents and guardians for their moral upbringing, prayers and unwavering support, which she said contributed significantly to the graduates’ success.

University President and Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole urged the new doctors to uphold integrity, compassion and professional excellence as they begin their careers, stressing that medicine is a sacred trust rather than merely a profession.

He said graduates must be prepared to navigate evolving healthcare challenges, technological advancements, widening health disparities and complex ethical questions while remaining committed to lifelong learning.

“Medicine is more than a career; it is a sacred trust. Let your knowledge be guided by wisdom, your competence by compassion, and your ambition by integrity. The future of healthcare will require professionals who are not only clinically excellent but also ethically grounded, research‑minded, adaptable and committed to lifelong learning,” he said.

Congratulating the ORION XI class on completing their rigorous academic and clinical training, the VC added that they were joining the global community of healthcare professionals entrusted with preserving life, promoting health and restoring hope.

“The achievements of the graduating doctors reflected the university’s vision of producing globally competitive, ethically grounded and professionally competent healthcare practitioners capable of providing innovative solutions to contemporary health challenges,” Ojewole said.

In her remarks, the college provost Prof. Adeola Fowotade advised the doctors to prioritise impact and service above financial gains, warning them against confusing income with purpose.

She said although the road ahead may not always be smooth, the graduates must remain committed to their calling as medical missionaries and agents of healing.

“There will be moments when you may have to choose between money and impact. Remember always that a job pays you a salary, but your calling carries eternal rewards. Do not allow temporary or superficial desires to distract you from the solid foundation upon which you have been built,” she said.

While acknowledging the increasing migration of Nigerian doctors abroad—commonly referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon—Fowotade noted the trend could still benefit the country if those who relocate remain committed to giving back to their homeland.

She praised the emotional intelligence and leadership qualities displayed by members of the medical students’ association, noting that several students had continued to distinguish themselves through academic and innovative accomplishments.

Fowotade disclosed that the college had recently subjected its facilities to external peer assessment ahead of resource verification by the MDCN, describing the exercise as a step toward sustaining the highest standards in medical education.

The provost also announced plans to inaugurate the “ORION Wall of Excellence” to celebrate the accomplishments of the institution’s alumni worldwide.

“It is a new dawn and here you are today being inducted as medical doctors. You have excelled, and I remain forever proud of your giant strides,” she added.