Bayero University, Kano, on Monday, 1st December 2025, inducted 55 new Doctors of Optometry at the institution’s 4th professional oath-taking ceremony held by the Department of Optometry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences. The event marked another milestone in BUK’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s eye-health workforce through rigorous academic and clinical training.
Administering the oath, the Registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr. Obinna Edwin Awiaka, charged the fresh doctors to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. He reminded them that the optometry profession requires precision, compassion, and integrity, especially as eye-health challenges continue to increase globally.
Dr. Awiaka highlighted alarming global projections indicating that by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population may be myopic. He attributed this trend to the rising dependence on digital screens—including mobile phones, computers, and tablets—across all age groups, stressing that Nigeria must prepare for the growing demand for specialised eye care.
He emphasised that optometrists now play an increasingly vital role in preventive eye care, early diagnosis, and management of vision problems, urging the graduates to remain committed to continuous learning. According to him, the country requires more specialised eye-care centres and well-equipped hospitals to meet emerging needs, and young professionals must be ready to lead innovations in the field.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, reiterated the institution’s dedication to producing competent healthcare professionals who can respond to Nigeria’s evolving health challenges. He described optometry as a rapidly expanding field that demands both clinical expertise and strong ethical grounding.
The VC encouraged the inductees to distinguish themselves in service delivery and research, noting that eye health is central to national productivity. He urged them to champion awareness campaigns on preventive eye care, especially in underserved communities where avoidable blindness remains common.
He also commended the Department of Optometry for maintaining high academic standards and ensuring that students receive both theoretical knowledge and hands-on training. He assured stakeholders that the university would continue to invest in modern equipment and strengthened partnerships to boost clinical training.
Representatives of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences lauded the graduating class for their resilience and dedication throughout their programme. They noted that the new Doctors of Optometry are entering the workforce at a time when Nigeria needs more skilled professionals to tackle rising cases of refractive errors, glaucoma, cataracts, and other vision-related conditions.
Parents, lecturers, and invited guests expressed pride in the achievement of the inductees, describing the ceremony as a testament to the university’s growing reputation in health-science education. Many also applauded ODORBN for its continued efforts to enforce professional standards across the optometry sector.
The newly inducted Doctors of Optometry pledged to serve with diligence and uphold the ethical values of their profession. They described the ceremony as a major step in their career journeys and expressed readiness to contribute meaningfully to improving eye care in Nigeria and beyond.
