Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University College of Medicine (COOUCOM), Awka, Anambra State, has inducted Dr. Echezona Awuzie into the medical profession during its 12th Induction Ceremony held on Tuesday, November 18.
The event, which marked the transition of 81 newly qualified doctors into professional medical practice, was attended by dignitaries, faculty members, and proud families at the Pathology Auditorium, Amaku, Awka.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, the mother of the inductee, Dr. (Mrs.) Chioma Awuzie, who is the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, and his father, Chief Awuzie expressed profound gratitude to God for His grace and for the large number of well-wishers who joined them to celebrate the milestone.
They prayed that God would grant their son the strength, wisdom, and compassion required to excel in his duties as a medical practitioner.
Earlier in her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kate Omenugha, congratulated the inductees and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing disciplined, competent medical doctors. She noted that COOUCOM upholds strict academic and professional standards to ensure the quality of its graduates.
“One of the major criteria for graduating as a medical doctor in this university is maintaining at least 75% class attendance,” she said. “We stepped some students down for failing to meet this requirement. Discipline is the first thing you must learn as a medical doctor.”
The Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Lawrence Ikeako, praised the new doctors for their resilience throughout years of intensive study. He emphasised that the induction and forthcoming housemanship are designed to prepare them for independent practice, adding that they must remain committed to patient confidentiality and ethical standards.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. J. I. Adimma encouraged the inductees to embody compassion, integrity, and professionalism in their careers. He acknowledged the challenges in Nigeria’s health sector but urged them to contribute their skills toward improving healthcare delivery in the country.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Hippocratic Oath, symbolising the inductees’ lifelong commitment to ethical medical practice and service to humanity.
The event concluded with celebration, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose, as Dr. Echezona Awuzie and his peers prepared to begin their journeys as medical professionals.