Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, on Thursday inducted its pioneer set of medical graduates into the medical profession, marking a major milestone in the institution’s history.
The oath-taking and induction ceremony for the new doctors was conducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) at the Professor Paul Ezeonu Auditorium of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Daniel C. Nwachukwu, described the event as a landmark achievement for the university and a testament to its commitment to quality medical education.
He said the induction of the pioneer medical graduates reflects the institution’s determination to meet national and global standards in medical training.
“It is a remarkable milestone in the history of our university. The pioneer medical graduates of our institution are a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing quality education that meets global best standards,” Nwachukwu said.
He noted that the university’s medical programme had received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
The vice-chancellor also commended previous administrations of the university, particularly former Vice-Chancellor, Sunday Oge Elom, for laying the foundation that led to the success of the medical programme.
According to him, although 50 students were admitted into the medical programme in the 2017/2018 academic session, 42 successfully met all the requirements for induction as qualified medical doctors.
The Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Paul Ezeonu, traced the origin of the college to 2013 when a committee was set up to establish a medical college for the university.
He said the initiative began under the former Vice-Chancellor, Ibidapo Obe, while the college was formally established during the tenure of Chinedum Nwajiuba.
Ezeonu noted that the college overcame several challenges, including securing accreditations for different stages of the MBBS programme from the NUC and MDCN.
“Through the collective effort of our staff, the college secured full five-year NUC accreditation as well as approvals for the Second MB, Third MB, Fourth MB and Final MB examinations,” he said.
He also praised the MDCN leadership, including its Registrar, Fatima Kyari, for supporting the development and accreditation of the programme.
The Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Medicine, O.U.J. Umeora, charged the new doctors to practise medicine with compassion, integrity and dedication.
He reminded them that medicine is not only about treating diseases but also about caring for people.
“Every patient you encounter is a human being with hopes, fears and dignity. Let empathy guide your practice, let integrity shape your decisions, and let lifelong learning fuel your growth,” he said.
Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, A.M. Efunshile, advised the graduates to uphold ethical standards and remember the core medical principle of primum non nocere — “first, do no harm.”
In a goodwill message, the Chief Medical Director of AE-FUTHA, Robinson Onoh, congratulated the university on producing its first set of medical doctors.
He described the achievement as a significant step that has placed the university on the map of institutions training medical professionals in Nigeria.
Onoh also praised the graduates for their perseverance and encouraged them to serve humanity with dedication and professionalism.
The induction ceremony marks the beginning of professional medical practice for the new doctors, who are expected to proceed to the next stage of their careers in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
