In a ceremony marked by pomp, pride, and academic excellence, the University of Ibadan (UI) once again proved its reputation as Nigeria’s premier institution of higher learning as it officially inducted a fresh set of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) graduates into the medical and dental professions. The grand event, held at the Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, was a spectacular display of excellence, discipline, and the enduring legacy of UI’s College of Medicine.
A Day of Honour and Legacy
The induction ceremony, which took place earlier in the week, drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries, families, faculty, and friends who came to celebrate the success of the newest generation of doctors and dentists trained by the University of Ibadan.
The event’s atmosphere was charged with joy and deep emotion as proud parents watched their children take the professional oath administered by the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). The ceremony symbolized not only the end of an academic journey but also the beginning of a noble career dedicated to service, humanity, and medical ethics.
Distinguished Personalities Grace the Occasion
Among the notable guests at the induction were:
- Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), who officiated the oath-taking ceremony and delivered a thought-provoking address to the inductees.
- The Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, who congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold the dignity and global reputation of the institution.
- The Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, who commended the students’ resilience, especially in navigating the rigors of medical and dental training.
- Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State Branch, Dr. Happy Adedapo, who presented special awards to the best graduating students.
The event also featured senior university officials, faculty members, and alumni, all of whom reaffirmed UI’s unwavering commitment to producing world-class health professionals capable of competing globally.
Awards, Prizes, and Generational Excellence
The ceremony was not just about induction but also a celebration of exceptional academic performance. Several graduates were recognized for their outstanding achievements in various disciplines.
A particularly heartwarming moment came when the Best Graduating Medical Student and Best Graduating Dental Student received cash awards, courtesy of the NMA Oyo State Branch. The recognition was not only a reward for academic distinction but also an encouragement for future students to strive for excellence.
Another highlight of the event was the celebration of Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), whose daughter was among the top-performing graduates. This moment of “generational excellence” drew admiration from guests and further reflected the University’s legacy of nurturing brilliance across generations.
Message from the MDCN: “This Is Only the Beginning”
Delivering a keynote address, the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria reminded the newly inducted professionals that the ceremony marks the start of a lifelong journey of service and responsibility.
He charged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of professional ethics, competence, and compassion in their practice. According to him, the induction is not merely a celebration of academic success but a solemn commitment to serve humanity selflessly.
The MDCN boss also cautioned against malpractice and unprofessional conduct, emphasizing that integrity, continuous learning, and empathy remain the true pillars of the medical and dental professions.
Provost’s Remarks: “UI Remains a Beacon of Medical Excellence”
In her address, the Provost of the College of Medicine applauded the resilience, determination, and discipline of the graduating class. She described the event as a celebration of perseverance and a testament to the University’s continued dominance in medical education.
She reaffirmed that UI remains the flagship institution for medical and dental training in Nigeria, producing professionals who continue to excel in local and international healthcare systems.
The Provost further called on the inductees to carry forward the University’s values of hard work, humility, and excellence as they begin their professional journeys in different hospitals, clinics, and health institutions across the country and beyond.
A Colourful and Emotional Celebration
The induction hall was filled with a mix of emotions — joy, pride, and nostalgia — as graduates donned their professional gowns and took the solemn oath that officially transformed them from students to certified medical and dental practitioners.
The ceremony was described as “colourful and grand” by attendees, featuring speeches, awards, prayers, and moments of reflection. Proud parents and guardians were seen shedding tears of joy, while faculty members expressed satisfaction at seeing years of rigorous training yield remarkable results.
Music, photography, and celebratory cheers filled the air as the event drew to a close, marking a new beginning for the young professionals ready to impact lives.
Significance of the Induction
The induction of a new set of doctors and dentists holds immense importance not only for the University of Ibadan but also for Nigeria’s healthcare system. Each new batch of graduates contributes to bridging the gap in medical manpower, especially at a time when the country faces a shortage of qualified practitioners.
This milestone underscores UI’s role in sustaining the nation’s health sector through continuous production of skilled, ethical, and globally competitive professionals.
Summary of Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Induction of MBBS and BDS Graduates |
| Venue | Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, Ibadan |
| Organized By | University of Ibadan, College of Medicine |
| Guests of Honour | MDCN Registrar, UI Chancellor, Provost, NMA Oyo Chairman |
| Top Awards | Best Graduating Medical & Dental Students |
| Special Recognition | Daughter of NACA DG, Dr. Temitope Ilori, among best graduates |
| Theme | Excellence, Ethics, and Service to Humanity |
| Atmosphere | Colourful, Inspirational, and Emotionally Charged |
Inspiring Future Generations
The University of Ibadan’s College of Medicine continues to be a model for academic excellence and professional development in Nigeria’s medical education system. For aspiring medical and dental students, the ceremony serves as a powerful reminder that success comes through persistence, discipline, and a deep passion for helping others.
As the graduates step into hospitals and clinics across the world, they carry with them not just certificates, but the hopes of a healthier and more humane society.
Conclusion
The University of Ibadan’s 2025 MBBS/BDS induction ceremony stands as a proud testament to academic excellence, professional integrity, and national service. The event showcased the enduring legacy of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious university — a place where dreams are nurtured, skills are refined, and excellence is celebrated.
For the new doctors and dentists, this is only the beginning of a lifelong journey of healing and humanity. The University of Ibadan has once again reaffirmed its status as a global centre of excellence, producing world-class professionals who will continue to uphold the values of the medical and dental professions with pride.
