OREH CHARGES 27 NEW RSU DOCTORS TO LEAD HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION IN RIVERS STATE

Hon. Commissioner for health, Adaeze Oreh,presenting Certificate of honor to best graduating medical doctor 

L-R Vice Chancellor Rivers State University, RSU, Prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Hon. Commissioner for health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, at the 2nd Induction Ceremony of  College of Medical Sciences, Rivers State University.

Prof. Blessing C. Didia, was decorated as a Medical Elder in recognition of his contributions to the development of medical education at RSU

Prof. Blessing C. Didia, was decorated as a Medical Elder in recognition of his contributions to the development of medical education at RSU

Vice Chancellor RSU Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi 

Vice Chancellor RSU Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi 

Hon. Commissioner for health Dr. Adaeze Oreh 

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has charged newly inducted medical doctors of Rivers State University (RSU) to become the human face of healthcare delivery and frontline leaders in transforming the state’s health system, as the University inducted 27 doctors at the 2nd Induction Ceremony of its College of Medical Sciences.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Dr. Oreh described the induction as a strategic investment in the future of healthcare in Rivers State. She noted that the state government’s sustained funding of the College of Medical Sciences was a deliberate policy choice aimed at producing doctors who are not only clinically competent but also grounded in public health leadership and community service.

She urged the newly inducted doctors to see themselves as the “living service” encountered daily by the people, stressing that their conduct, compassion and professionalism would shape public trust in the healthcare system. According to her, the state looks to the new doctors to play critical roles in reducing maternal mortality, improving child health outcomes and strengthening primary healthcare delivery across urban and rural communities.

Following her address, the induction ceremony formally ushered the 27 graduates into the medical profession under the supervision of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Prof. Fatima Kyari, reminded the inductees that their licences represent a sacred trust with society. She emphasised integrity, lifelong learning, social accountability and discipline as the pillars of medical practice, cautioning that the enduring principle of “do no harm” must guide their careers regardless of technological advancement.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Kenneth Shelu Ordu, reflected on the College’s rapid growth, noting that it has expanded from a single faculty to four faculties with over 570 staff members. He expressed gratitude to the Visitor of the University and Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, whose support led to the increase in the College’s admission quota from 50 to 300 students. He encouraged the new doctors to balance medical expertise with empathy and humility in their practice.

The Vice-Chancellor of RSU, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, described the induction as a major milestone in his first year in office. He highlighted the University’s role in absorbing Nigerian medical students displaced by the Ukraine crisis and attributed RSU’s record admission quota to strict academic standards and transparent assessment processes. He charged the inductees to be worthy ambassadors of the University and uphold its growing reputation for excellence.

Representing the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, Emeritus Prof. Joseph Ajienka conveyed the Governing Council’s pride in the University’s progress. He stated that while government has provided the necessary infrastructure, it is the responsibility of the new doctors to supply the character, patriotism and professional integrity needed to advance the nation’s healthcare system.

The ceremony also featured a valedictory address by the overall best graduating doctor, Dr. Obu Kingdom Lawrence, who described the six-year medical training as a demanding journey of resilience and sacrifice. He thanked families and lecturers for their support and urged his colleagues to carry the same perseverance into their professional lives.

In a special moment during the ceremony, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Blessing C. Didia, was decorated as a Medical Elder in recognition of her contributions to the development of medical education at RSU.

The induction of the 27 doctors marks another significant step in Rivers State University’s steady rise as a centre of excellence in medical education, while reinforcing the state government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through human capital development.