The Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, has urged medical doctors to avoid complacency and negligence in the discharge of their duties.

Babalola advised doctors to shun “all acts associated with laziness, redundancy and complacency,” and instead remain committed to continuous learning and keeping abreast of medical advancements for improved patient care.

According to a statement from the university, he gave the charge in Ado Ekiti during the induction and oath-taking ceremony of the institution’s eighth set of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery graduands by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

“You must continue to read and work hard. Your first degree must not be the last; continue to read more. You have received the best education from the best institution around. You must keep reading and learning,” he told the newly inducted doctors.

“As medical practitioners, you must be accommodating. Don’t count anybody unimportant in your line of service. You must be loving and caring, and you must give patients hope for life,” he added.

The nonagenarian commended graduates of the university for distinguishing themselves within and outside the country, noting that they must continue to demonstrate excellence in their professional conduct.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, also urged the doctors to be compassionate and empathetic towards patients, saying 26 of the inductees collectively earned 64 distinctions.

Since commencing its medical programme in 2011, she said the university had maintained uninterrupted academic sessions and built partnerships with global institutions.

The Acting Provost of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dr. Louis Odeigah, cautioned the inductees against medical negligence, urging them to uphold ethical practice, effective communication, empathy, and accurate documentation.

Similarly, a Professor of Medicine at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Basil Okeahialam, advised the new doctors to demonstrate high responsibility and avoid actions that could lead to accusations of negligence.

He emphasised compassion, pragmatism, and professionalism, noting that proper conduct and appearance play a vital role in doctor-patient relationships.