ABUAD Holds Seventh Induction Ceremony for Fresh Doctors

Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) marked another milestone on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, as it held its seventh induction ceremony for 187 newly qualified medical doctors from the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The event was a celebration of excellence, dedication, and the university’s unwavering commitment to producing world-class medical professionals.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb., FCAI, in her welcome address, expressed profound appreciation to Professor Fatima Kyari, the first female Registrar of the Medical & Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), since inception 62 years ago, for personally presiding over the ceremony.

Prof. Olarinde underscored the significance of the number seven, often associated with perfection and highlighted the remarkable achievement of 23 inductees who attained multiple distinctions—an affirmation of ABUAD’s relentless pursuit of academic and professional excellence.

Since launching its medical program in 2011, ABUAD has consistently maintained uninterrupted academic sessions, a feat achieved through its staff commitment, dedication and priceless contributions. She recognised the institution’s numerous strategic collaborations, including the engagement with world-renowned institutions, including Johns Hopkins Hospital in the USA.

“This partnership provides outstanding 500-level students with the unique opportunity to undertake six-week electives at the best hospital in the world—Johns Hopkins Hospital,” Prof. Olarinde proudly revealed.

She extended heartfelt gratitude to the Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola (SAN), and his supportive wife, Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, FSM, FNIMN, FFPA, for their visionary leadership.

Addressing the inductees, she emphasized that their responsibilities extend beyond clinical expertise to offering comfort, compassion, and hope to their patients. “You must be kind to your patients. You must love them, share in their pains, and provide them comfort. Let them feel that they can still make it. Give them that hope,” she urged, quoting Aare Afe Babalola.

The keynote address, delivered by Prof. IkeOluwapo Ajayi, FAAS, Director of the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT) at the University of Ibadan, focused on “Purpose and Excellence.”

She encouraged the fresh doctors to anchor their medical careers on a strong sense of purpose, using real-life examples to illustrate how dedication and passion can set them apart in the medical profession.

Before administering the induction oath, MDCN Registrar, Prof. Kyari, lauded the Founder and Chancellor, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, LL.D (London), LL.D (UNILAG), LL.D (UI), D.Lit (NDA), FNIALS, FCI.Arb, FNSE, for establishing world-class medical facilities at ABUAD and applauded the significant number of female doctors among the inductees and those who received awards of distinction.

She urged the fresh doctors to embrace their calling with commitment and diligence, emphasizing, “Roll up your sleeves and get to work. Your service to humanity is invaluable, especially in a country like Nigeria.”

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Dr. Ikini Favour Catherine, expressed deep gratitude to God, their parents, and ABUAD for shaping them into medical professionals with global relevance.

She congratulated her colleagues, reminding them that with great potential comes great responsibility.

The Provost, College of Medicine and Health Sciences– Prof. Laofe Ogundipe, in his remarks, maintained that the best way to give back to ABUAD is by being worthy ambassadors and to form a vibrant Alumni body. “I know ABUAD has a functioning Alumni Society, but you can have one for the college to keep the bond and circle close”

In his ever-inspiring address, the Chancellor, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, emphasized the role of industry in achieving greatness. “Industry breeds character. Character breeds faith, and faith never fails,” he said.

He also reminded the doctors that the reward for hard work is more work, revealing that he still works “18 hours a day.”

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola, announced a special award of N100,000 apiece to MOTAJO Oluwatosin Olakunle, who graduated with seven distinctions, OJOGBANE Bumiyo Favour and ORINA Benedict Oluwatosin, who each earned five distinctions, along with 23 other exceptional medical graduates.

Meanwhile, the best graduating student- Ms. Motajo, had also earlier received an award of excellence from the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Ekiti Branch.

The induction ceremony was a resounding success, reinforcing ABUAD’s status as a trailblazer in medical education and training, and a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

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