On Wednesday the 29th of November 2023, the College of Health Sciences Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, held the induction ceremony for her Dental and Medical graduating class of 2023 at Oduduwa Hall. The atmosphere was filled with celebration, and brought together inductees, their families, friends, loved ones, university staff, and well-wishers.

To kick off the proceedings, Prof. Babatope Kolawole, the Provost of the College, delivered a warm welcome address, congratulated the new dentists and doctors and expressed gratitude to College staff for their unwavering commitment. He acknowledged their dedication, notably their provision of skeletal services during the prolonged strike by university workers in 2022 which made it possible for the class of 2023 to complete their training on time. He also acknowledged   their continued dedication to teaching despite not been paid for eight months. Prof. Kolawole specifically recognized the crucial support of the Vice-Chancellor of the University, urging the inductees to become partners with the College in enhancing training facilities post-graduation.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A.S. Bamire, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Administration, Prof. Abayomi Daramola, extended heartfelt congratulations to the inductees and their parents. Emphasizing the inductees’ pivotal role in the medical sector, Prof. Daramola encouraged them to join the esteemed university alumni, ensuring progress and sustenance of their alma mater. He pledged continuous support of the University to the College and offered prayers for the inductees’ successful life journey.

The induction ceremony featured the Deans of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences and Dentistry presenting their respective inductees to Dr. Henry Okwuokenye, the representative of the Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. The medical induction oath followed, with inductees vocally expressing their commitment to ethical standards.

A noteworthy moment of the ceremony was the presentation of awards, with Afolabi Abayomi Abdul-Afeez earning recognition as the overall best graduating student in Dentistry. Emeka Obuekwe was acknowledged as the overall best graduating student in Medicine and Surgery. In addition, the best graduating female students in Dentistry and Medicine received accolades, acknowledgement and prizes from the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Osun State Branch.

Concluding the ceremony, the Provost led the inductees in taking their final bows, expressing gratitude first to their parents, then to the prestigious College of Health Sciences, and finally to Obafemi Awolowo University. The induction concluded with resonant voices singing the Great Ife anthem and the national anthem, marking a successful and memorable day for the inductees.

Distinguished guests in attendance included DVC Administration, Prof. Abayomi Daramola; Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Babatope Kolawole; His Royal Majesty, Oba Olanite Alabi; Dr. Henry Okwuokenye, representative of the Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria; Deputy Registrar Mrs. Tosin Elero; Dr. Olaniyi Arowolo, President of the Nigeria Dental Association; Mr. Vincent Ohalete, College Secretary; Dr. Akin Komolafe; Dr. Adesanmi Akinsulore, and several others dignitaries.