Aare Afe Babalola, Chancellor of Afe Babalola and founder of Afe Babalola University, has called on newly inducted medical doctors to avoid complacency and negligence in their practice.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti during the induction and oath-taking ceremony for ABUAD’s eighth set of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery graduates, Babalola urged doctors “to shun all acts associated with laziness, redundancy and complacency” while continuing to learn and stay updated on medical developments.
“You must continue to read and work hard. This your first degree must not be the last; continue to read more,” he said, emphasizing that continuous learning is a key to success that cannot be bought. Babalola also encouraged doctors to be caring, accommodating, and professional in appearance, stressing the importance of giving patients hope and respect.
ABUAD Vice-Chancellor Smaranda Olarinde reinforced the chancellor’s message, urging new doctors to show empathy, love, and comfort to patients. She highlighted that 26 inductees collectively earned 64 distinctions, reflecting the university’s culture of excellence.
The Acting Provost of ABUAD College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr Louis Odeigah, warned against medical negligence, emphasizing ethical practice, effective communication, empathy, and proper documentation. Guest lecturer Prof Basil Okeahialam from Jos University Teaching Hospital added that negligence arises from incompetence or indifference and encouraged doctors to act responsibly and escalate difficult cases promptly.
Babalola, now in his nineties, continues to work and study daily, demonstrating the commitment he hopes to instill in Nigeria’s next generation of medical professionals.
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