LUTH schools graduate 383 students, harp on service to nation

 

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Schools on Friday  graduated 383 students, urging the graduands to contribute their quota to national development by practising their profession within the country.

The Chief Medical Director, LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, made the call at the 2024 LUTH School Joint Graduation Ceremony held in Lagos.

Represented by Prof. Ayodeji Oluwole, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, LUTH, Adeyemo said the students were being trained in Nigeria and to work for Nigeria.

According to him, the students are trained with Nigeria’s money and not with American or British money, and as a result they should try and stay to serve Nigeria.

Adeyemo, who identified infrastructure and paying of school fees as major challenges, urged the Federal Government to do more by providing the needed infrastructure that would enable the hospital train more students.

He noted that the students had a sense of social responsibility to serve the country for some time before engaging in ‘Japa Syndrome’.

He also advised the students to take advantage of the government provision of ‘student’s loan’, as it would go a long way to relieve their parents of the burden of paying their school fees.

“Today, about a total of 383 students across all schools in LUTH are graduating – Ordinary National Diploma (OND),  Higher Nation Diploma (HND) and the Diplomas.

“The government has provided the avenue for you to be trained.

“So, you are being trained with Nigeria’s money – the taxpayers money.and not with American or British money, and as a result should try and stay to serve Nigeria because you are trained in Nigeria, and not abroad,

“I think you have a sense of responsibility to, at least, serve your people first for sometimes before seeking for greener pastures

“Whether we like or not we have to serve our people.

“And the people that trained you have stayed behind; if they didn’t stay behind, who will train you?

“So, you should stay behind and work hard, and reap the benefit. If you stay behind and contribute your own quota, the country can only  benefit and be better for it,” he said.

Speaking, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Olugbemiga Ogunlewe, congratulated the graduating students for the successful completion of their various programmes.

Ogunlewe urged the graduands to avail themselves with every opportunity as they continue to learn.

According to her, the degrees and certificates symbolise not only individual accomplishments but also the collective impact of LUTH’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering intellectual growth in healthcare profession.

The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Bosede Afolabi, said that healthcare job centered on humanity services, which requires empathy and commitment.

Afolabi, who emphasised the importance of perseverance, urged the graduands to remain steadfast in the face of challenges and setbacks.

According to her, the graduands in the course of practising their profession should treat patients/others with empathy, kindness and love.

“The fact that you are graduating today is the beginning and you must continue to learn because medicine practice changes on daily basis. So, always stay updated with  new developments and contribute to humanity.

“Remember that your health is paramount; go for screenings, avoid smoking/alcohol, have a social life, rest and always sleep well,” Afolabi said.

The best graduating student, Miss Winner Waje, expressed excitement over her position, appreciating her parents, the government and LUTH Management for providing the opportunity for her education and training.

The event featured presentation of LUTH Management Awards of cash prize and trophy for the Best Overall Student, Best Practical Nurse, Best Primary Healthcare Nurse, Best Nurse in Nutrition and Most Dedicated Student Nurse among others.

The roll call of dignitaries who turned out en-masse for the event included  the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee LUTH, Prof. Babawale Bello;; the Director of Administration/Secretary to the Management Board, Mrs Omolola Fakeye; Head, College of Nursing Sciences, Dr Olubunkola Olawuyi among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the schools graduating students comprised the College of Nursing Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Midwifery, School of Basic Nursing and School of Community Health.

Others were School of Health Information Management , School of Medical and Psychiatry Social Work and Federal School of Biomedical Engineering.