The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, at the weekend presented 82 new medical graduands for her 50th Induction Ceremony.
Of the 20 best graduating students, Miss Nneoma Paracleta Abajue, emerged overall best while Prince Chidindu Anagwu came second. Both of them are from Okija town, Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra State.
Abajue, a 23-year-old daughter of a Lagos-based journalist, broke an academic record as she won as the Overall Best Student in five categories from the institution. She was honoured as the Best Female Student, Best Student in Community Medicine, Best Student in Paediatrics, Best Student in Surgery, and Best Student in 5th MB; BS respectively.
Anagwu was awarded the Best Student in 3rd MB; BS, while four other students got one award each.
In her valedictory speech, Abajue expressed gratitude to God for guarding and guiding the students to the end, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the eight-month ASUU strike, which jointly delayed their programme. She equally appreciated their parents for the financial burden and the lecturers for teaching without salaries. She also appreciated her colleagues for being cohesive and resilient in confronting academic and existential challenges in the course of their training.
Addressing the graduands, the Medical Elder, Prof. Prince U. Ele, counselled the graduands on professionalism in clinical practice, career development, work ethics and social attitudes.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, admonished the inductees to live true to the Socratic Oath which places the well-being of patients on the centre stage. The Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Dean, informed the audience that the university has so far produced two thousand, four hundred and forty (2440) medical doctors.
In attendance at the induction were faculty members, Deputy Registrar of Nigeria Medical Council, and others.
