UNICAL LICENSES 92 NEW DOCTORS…ROLLS OUT FIRST SET OF DENTISTS

 

History was  recorded when the University of Calabar rolled out its first ever set of Dental Surgeons in an event marking the 53^rd Physicians’ Oath-Taking Ceremony of the institution.

 

At the memorable  event otherwise known as "Sponsio Academica" held at the Unical International Conference Centre, 9 Dental Surgeons were among the 92 graduands licensed while 83 were from the MBBCH class.

 

 

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi in an elated tone said that she was not only happy to be part the success story but, proud to be the first Vice Chancellor to graduate the first set of Dentists from Unical.

 

The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Prof Angela Oyo-Ita expressed the optimism that  with the quality of training  they have received, the new graduands will make the institution proud.

Prof Florence Obi reminded them of the value of the certificates in their hands adding that it is the “institution’s flag” given to them in trust and that they should fly the flag higher.

 

The Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Ngim Ngim commended the graduands for the commitment towards their academic pursuits notably their perseverance despite the daunting challenges.

 

The Provost charged the students not to forget their alma mater, stick to the code of ethics of their profession and note that the patient is the centre of all their attention.

 

He commended the Vice Chancellor for providing  the much needed enabling environment which assisted immensely in the quality training offered the graduands.

 

The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr Tajudeen Sanusi charged the new students to shun all forms of unethical practices and carry on their professional mandate with the highest level of discipline and commitment.

 

Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi called on them to avert the brain drain syndrome by practising in Nigeria as a way of giving back to society.

 

The 53rd Sponsio Lecturer, Prof. John Ekabua in a lecture titled “ Career Pursuit: Engagement in Public Health Practice through Non-Governmental Organization Industry”, called on the new doctors to stick to integrity to remain afloat, show commitment to values and principles of volunteerism and respect for cultural diversity to attain an excellent career.

 

Prof John Ekabua, a Professor of Adolescent and Paediatric Gynaecology/ Reproductive Health in the University of Calabar further charge them to develop intuitive knowledge, stay healthy, think positively and remind themselves of their skills and abilities to remain relevant in a challenging work climate.

 

 

The overall best Graduating Student, Dr. Esther Simon Bassey in her valedictory speech showered praises on the Management of the University and the College, her teachers and the medical Elders for the quality training divulged to the graduating class.

 

 

Dr Esther Bassey and Dr Grace Ugboh, best graduating students in Dentistry and the  MBBCH class respectively

 

Dr. Esther Bassey pledged on behalf of her class to remain humble and noble while they go out there to exercise their professional calling.

 

The event was also marked with presentation of goodwill messages from the Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association and other related health institutions.