Provost Warns Graduands Against Misconduct

The Provost, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Basden Onwubere, has warned the newly graduated physiotherapists against unethical behaviours in the discharge of their duties, even as the management of the institution has threatened to withdraw the certificate of its medical graduates who breached professional code of conduct anywhere in the world.

The institution, he said, is already using members of its alumni association globally to monitor the performance of its medical graduate with a view to ensure full compliance with their professional code of conduct.

Speaking at the 17th induction of 84 physiotherapists at the Enugu Campus of the university at the weekend, the provost who was represented on the occasion by Prof. (Mrs.) Ngozi Onyemelukwe, however, urged them to see themselves as ambassadors of the university and must always maintain high standard for which their alma mater is known.

According to him “my tenure has particularly been favoured by history, as it is during this period, that our medical students started graduating on record time and today we are graduating new set of physiotherapists”.

Presenting the graduands to the registrar, Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria, Mr. Joshua Jagunola, for oath – taking, the head, Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology UNN, Dr. Emeka Igwe, said that the 17th induction ceremony was historic, as the one in which the graduands were eager to conclude their programme and face the future.

Dr. Emeka Igwe, who disclosed that the department which commenced admission in 1986 with five students, had now produced several physiotherapy professionals who are in various parts of the world restoring humanity to form and function, noting that the department had since 2011, introduced new techniques of teaching to improve the quality of their graduates.

He stated that as part of efforts to improve teaching, learning and scholarship, the research laboratory, rehabilitation gymnasium, departmental library, classrooms and offices had been refurbished with modern facilities and new equipment.

While calling for the expansion of clinical facilities at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, and other friendly health institutions in the state to take care of the large students’ population, the head of department remarked that the earlier hostel accommodation was provided at UNTH Ituku – Ozalla for students, the better, as they currently shuttle between Enugu and the hospital for lectures and clinical studies.

The dean,  Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, had earlier, tasked the graduands to sing the “UNN anthem”, adding that for any academic to succeed, such persons must read widely to expand their educational horizon, as first degree was just the first step of a long journey.

A renowned professor of Medical Rehabilitation Medicine (Physiotherapy) Hano Okeke, later thrilled the audience with a lecture entitled “You are welcome to the profession of physiotherapy”.

Former dean, Prof. Chuba Okoye and the national president, Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, Taiwo Oyewumi, were among eminent Nigerians who graced the occasion while the students’ union group, UNMERSA, officially presented their magazine, “Physiotheraputa”, to the public.