At least 167 medical graduates from Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma, Edo State, have protested their failure to be inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) six months after graduation. According to DAILY POST, the graduates held a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, expressing their frustration over spending more than 10 years in medical school. They noted that since graduating on August 15, 2024, they have not yet been inducted into the MDCN. Precious Omohegbele, a representative for the students, stated that they graduated on August 15, 2024, after 10 years of study, but still await induction. Omohegbele urged Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene and help resolve the situation so that the university’s 2015 medical cohort can be inducted, stressing that induction is essential for them to begin their housemanship. She stated, “We are the 2015 set of medical students from AAU, and we are now medical graduates.” We completed our graduation on August 15, 2024, and have been at home for five months without undergoing induction. At this point, we should be halfway through our house training. “There could be issues affecting our onboarding, but we can’t continue to wait since we’ve already invested 10 years in medical school (2015-2025).” She made a direct appeal to Governor Okpebholo for assistance, stating, “It would be unjust for 167 of us to stay at home after 10 years of training.” “We’re not aging in reverse as time goes by.” In the meantime, Governor Okpebholo made a quick stop while traveling from Irrua to speak to the protesting medical students at the gate of the institution in Ekpoma. He promised them that his administration would investigate the reasons for the delay in welcoming the 2015 group of medical students, who graduated months ago. “I understand your concerns, and I empathize with the difficulties you are currently facing.” I am conscious of the accreditation issue and other related concerns. I will invite the acting Vice Chancellor of the institution to talk about and examine the situation to find a quick resolution.
