The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has once again marked a historic moment in its academic excellence with the induction of 17 newly qualified dental surgeons into the noble profession. The event, which took place at the university’s auditorium, was conducted by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Professor Fatima Kyari, who was represented by Dr. Mandaka Tijani.
During the ceremony, the inductees officially took their oaths, pledging to abide by the codes of ethics, integrity, and professionalism required of dental practitioners. The solemn moment underscored the weight of responsibility they carry as new members of Nigeria’s health workforce, particularly in a field that remains critical to the overall wellbeing of the population.
Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Tijani commended the young doctors for their dedication to rigorous training and discipline over the course of their study. He reminded them that dentistry is not just a career but a lifelong service to humanity. According to him, “Your responsibility goes beyond treatment; you must also be advocates for preventive oral health care and public awareness.”
He further stressed that the newly inducted professionals must be guided by the highest ethical standards. He warned against malpractice, negligence, and unethical conduct, highlighting that the profession thrives on trust and respect from the society it serves. His words reinforced the MDCN’s vision to ensure that health practitioners contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, congratulated the inductees and praised the Faculty of Dentistry for its consistency in producing globally competitive graduates. He urged the new doctors to always project the image of UNIPORT with pride and diligence, maintaining the university’s reputation as a hub of excellence in medical education.
Prof. Georgewill further emphasized the need for the graduates to think beyond certificates and focus on service delivery. “The best measure of a professional is not only in the knowledge acquired but also in how such knowledge transforms lives and societies,” he noted. He encouraged them to be innovative, adaptable, and willing to contribute solutions to Nigeria’s oral health challenges.
In their remarks, representatives of the Faculty of Dentistry and senior colleagues in the profession reminded the inductees of the growing demand for quality dental services in Nigeria. They noted that with increasing cases of oral diseases and limited access to specialists, the 17 new professionals have a great responsibility to close the gap in oral health care delivery across the nation.
The ceremony also witnessed the presence of proud parents, guardians, and friends of the inductees, who celebrated their hard work and resilience. Many expressed gratitude to the university and faculty staff for their commitment to nurturing the graduates despite the challenges faced within the Nigerian education and health systems.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, the best graduating dental surgeon expressed appreciation to God, the university, and their families for unwavering support. He assured that they would uphold the integrity of the profession while striving to improve access to dental care, particularly in underserved communities.
With this induction, the University of Port Harcourt has reaffirmed its pivotal role in building Nigeria’s healthcare workforce. The 17 new dental surgeons now join the ranks of professionals tasked with improving oral health care in Nigeria and beyond, contributing their expertise to ensure a healthier society.
