ESUT committed to advancing health research _VC

The Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, yesterday reiterated the commitment of the University in advancing health research, introduction of other medical programmes and continued investment in critical infrastructure development in order to make ESUT the best healthcare Institution in Nigeria.

He made the disclosure during the induction of 13th Batch B medical graduands of the University numbering 32 by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, at the capacity filled Auditorium of ESUT College of Medicine, Enugu.

While appreciating the Governor of the State, Barr. Dr. Peter Mbah for donating a land for the South East Zonal Office of MDCN and handing over of the state’s Colliery Hospital to ESUT Management, the Vice Chancellor lauded the cordial relationship existing between MDCN and ESUT, adding that the increase in admission quota of ESUT College of Medicine from 50 to 240 has given the Institution an edge over its peers.

He however bemoaned the high cost of running universities in Nigeria, adding that the recent increment in electricity tariff has further stretched the limited fund needed to adequately run the university system in Nigeria.

He equally called on the Federal Government and all other critical stakeholders to stop further commercialisation of tertiary institutions in the country.

While congratulating the graduands, Prof Okolie urged them to uphold the code of conduct of the medical profesion and to desist from acts capable of dragging their names and that of their Alma Mater to the mud.

In his opening remarks, the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of ESUT Governing Council, Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa, while congratulating the graduands, urged them to have respect for the sanctity of human life.

Chief Ohaa, who was represented by Hon. Dr. Eric Olaedo, also enjoined the graduands to maintain healthy relationships with their colleagues and the community where they would practice.

In his welcome address, the Provost of the College, Professor Uchenna Ekwochi, listed nine strategic development goals of the college which amongst others included “improving global visibility, capacity building and strengthening the ICT profile”etc aimed at making ESUT College of Medicine to be reckoned with in terms of quality teaching, research, publications and production of highly rated medical personnel.

He charged the graduands to aim at improving their skills through specialization and to always give back to their Alma Mater.

Prof Ekwochi who pointed out that this 13th Batch B induction was the first since his assumption of office as the 6th Provost recently, reiterated the core values/ mission of the college which are centred on “academic excellence, innovation, scholarship, students focus and integrity. “

While delivering the induction lecture titled “Facing the Future,” the Special Assistant to the Executive Governor, Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah on Health, Dr Yomi Jaye, urged the graduands to create a mental picture of their goals through adequate planning.

He also urged them to approach the set goals with positive mindsets and to eschew fear and stay humble as well as hungry for more lofty attainments in their career.

While conducting the induction, the Registrar of MDCN, Dr. Fatima Kyari, enjoined the graduands to stay back home and render services to their fatherland, stating that service to humanity is global but the health needs are more in Africa.

She further said that dedication to duties would help the graduands to earn mutual respect from their colleagues, stressing that medical practice is a calling with a lot of responsibilities for oneself and the community at large.

She further said that doctors who engage in infamous conducts would be investigated and if found guilty, would be sanctioned accordingly by the professional body.