A total of 42 pioneer medical graduates of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, have been formally sworn in as medical doctors, marking a major milestone in the university’s contribution to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The induction ceremony took place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. The event officially admitted the graduates into the medical profession after years of rigorous academic and clinical training.
Administering the oath, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Prof. Fatima Kyari, described the induction as a historic moment for both the institution and Nigeria’s health sector.
Represented by Prof. Chidimma Ogbonnaya, she said the ceremony marked the culmination of years of discipline, sacrifice, and dedication by the graduates.
Kyari noted that the successful graduation and induction of the pioneer set demonstrated AE-FUNAI’s commitment to maintaining approved standards in medical education.
She commended the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, and the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Paul Ezeonu, for their leadership and efforts in ensuring the college met regulatory requirements.
She emphasized that establishing and sustaining a medical college requires significant investment in infrastructure, qualified personnel, and strict adherence to professional guidelines.
According to her, AE-FUNAI has shown capacity in producing competent medical professionals.
The MDCN Registrar also praised lecturers, clinical instructors, laboratory technologists, and support staff for their dedication to training the pioneer graduates despite challenges in the education and health sectors.
Charging the new doctors, she urged them to uphold the ethics, integrity, and dignity of the medical profession, stressing that medicine is not merely a career but a lifelong commitment to serving humanity. She encouraged them to pursue continuous learning, maintain high professional standards, and show compassion in their practice.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, described the induction as a defining moment in the history of the university. He expressed appreciation to past administrations, particularly the former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, for laying the foundation that made the milestone possible.
Nwachukwu reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence in medical education, stating that the institution remains dedicated to producing professionals who are knowledgeable, skilled, compassionate, and committed to improving healthcare delivery.
He urged the newly inducted doctors to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in their practice, noting that the world needs more doctors equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values required to make meaningful impact.
Earlier, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Paul Ezeonu, expressed gratitude to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for its guidance and regulatory oversight, which ensured that the college maintained the required standards for medical education.
He also acknowledged the contributions of previous university administrations, particularly the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, whose tenure strengthened the college, expanded facilities, and consolidated partnership with the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, for clinical training.
Ezeonu congratulated the graduates for their resilience and dedication throughout their training and urged them to uphold honesty, responsibility, and professionalism in their careers.
“Dedication to duty will distinguish you, and humility will remain the key to lasting success,” he said.
Delivering the valedictory speech, the class valedictorian, Dr. Igwe Ezinne Esther, thanked God for guiding the graduates through the demanding journey of medical training. She described the induction as the fulfillment of a long-held dream achieved through perseverance and sacrifice.
She recalled the challenges faced during their years in medical school, including moments of exhaustion, anxiety, and self-doubt, but said faith and determination helped them overcome.
Dr. Igwe also expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for their sacrifices and encouragement throughout the years of study. She urged her colleagues to remain committed to excellence and to leave a legacy that future generations would be proud to follow.
The ceremony ended with the formal induction of the pioneer doctors into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the presentation of awards to the best graduating students.