The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) revealed that out of the 130,000 registered doctors in Nigeria, only 58,000 renewed their annual practice licenses in 2023, indicating a significant gap in the retention of medical practitioners within the country.
Dr. Victor Kolawole, the Deputy Registrar of MDCN, disclosed this during the Induction/Oath Taking Ceremony of the 2022–2023 Batch B Medicine and Surgery graduates of Edo State University, Uzairue.
Expressing concern over the trend of doctors migrating abroad for better opportunities, Kolawole appealed to the new medical graduates to consider staying and practicing in Nigeria.
He emphasized the importance of increasing the number of medical professionals within the country and maintaining high standards in medical education and practice.
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Kolawole urged the new medical practitioners to uphold professionalism and abide by the regulations set by the council.
He highlighted the council’s responsibility to regulate medical activities and discipline offenders.
Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, commended the support of Governor Godwin Obaseki in establishing the university teaching hospital, which has enhanced healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.
He called for sustained efforts to improve facilities at the teaching hospital.
Dr. Kenneth Atoe, the acting provost of the College of Medical Sciences, emphasized the importance of ethical standards and values in the medical profession.
He advised the new medical graduates to embody honesty, integrity, and selflessness in their practice to maintain public trust and fulfill their professional obligations.
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