On Saturday, July 13th, 2024, 147 members of the Lotus Class – graduates of Medicine and Surgery and Dentistry – were officially inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre, University College Hospital.
The event, which was anchored by Dr. Gbolade Obajimi, began at 10 AM. with a welcome address by the Secretary to the College of Medicine, Mr. Emmanuel Odedele.
This was swiftly followed by the Provost’s address. The Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, congratulated the Lotus Class , and in reminiscence took them back to their admission into the University, recalling her moments with the class. She highlighted their exceptional achievements collectively and individually. She further counseled on expectations and preparations for life after schol.
Following this, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, also gave an address, which he titled; “Partners with the Divine”. Here, he established that the medical practice is more than a job or a profession in itself but rather a ‘divine calling’. He ended by imploring the graduating 122 MB;BS and 25 BDS Inductees to stay back in their home country to build the nation.
The MB;BS inductees were presented by the Dean of Clinical Science and Provost Elect, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, and the induction and oath taking took place thereafter, which was conducted by the MDCN Registrar representative, Dr. Henry Okuike. It was followed by affirmation with the inductees taking a symbolic bow to the University, lecturers. and their parents.
Presentation of Awards to outstanding students of the followed. The Valedictorian for the MB;BS Class was Dr. Odunsi Temidayo Mary while the Valedictorian for the BDS Class was Dr. Dike Emmanuella Eluebube who also doubled as the best student in all specialities or her class. In their Valedictorian speeches, Drs Odunsi and Dike recounted their experiences in medical school combining academics together with extracurriculars, and how this shaped them for the future.
The Provost Awards for Excellent Participation in Community Life went to Dr. Babatunde Abdulhameed Opeyemi (male category) and Dr. Dada Rachel Ebunoluwa (female category) for the MB;BS Class, and to Dr. Adetula David (male category) and Dr. Oguntola Esther (female category) for the BDS Class. The Emeritus Professor Akinkungbe Leadership Award was awarded to Dr. Adeyeye Jesufemi Adeyinka.
In appreciation of the philanthropy of the College of Medicine Alumni, the Provost lauded their contributions towards the ongoing projects in the college; the Sponsor a Student Program (SASP) Scholarships and the fundings for new hostel projects. Fundraising was held for both projects, one of importance was the launching of the Global SASP team, led by Dr. Olabisi Oshikanlu and co-chaired by Dr. Olubukola Adeshina. New scholarship awardees were also announced.
Closing the event, the President, Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Worldwide, Professor Emmanuel Otolorin, gave a parting speech. It concluded proper with an address from the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who announced a scholarship in the name of the Lotus Class.
Other dignitaries at the event include The Commander of the Corps of Engineers, Major General Philip Eremosele, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Professor Abiona, ably represented by Dr. Henry Okuike, Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Tayo Ogundiran, among others.
Moshood Sidiq