College honours four Distinguished Fellows, reflects on challenges of ‘Japa’ and celebrates emerging stability in medical training.
By Bunmi Yekini
The National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) has marked a major milestone with the graduation of 480 new specialists at its 43rd Convocation Ceremony, a celebration that also saw 34 candidates awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and four Fellows honoured with the College’s highest distinction.
The ceremony, attended by distinguished guests, government representatives, faculty, fellows, and families of the graduands, reflected both the achievements of the College and the challenges confronting the medical profession in Nigeria.
In his address, the President of the College, Dr. Peter Ebeigbe, congratulated the graduands on their accomplishments, describing the convocation as a moment of triumph not only for the individuals but also for the nation’s healthcare system.
“This convocation is not just a celebration of academic achievement; it is a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and hope for the future of our healthcare system,” he said.
He acknowledged the efforts of the College in navigating the turbulent landscape of medical training in recent years, pointing to the impact of the ‘Japa’ syndrome, the wave of Nigerian doctors and health professionals leaving the country in search of opportunities abroad.
According to him, the phenomenon had a visible impact on the College’s training outputs, with a sharp drop in the number of specialists recorded in 2021. Yet, there are signs that the situation may be stabilising.
“While it is difficult to conclude that the steady drop caused by the Japa syndrome has stopped, it appears that some stability in numbers may be setting in,” Dr. Ebeigbe noted.
Despite these challenges, the College continues to produce highly skilled specialists, underscoring its role as the cornerstone of postgraduate medical education in Nigeria. The President urged the graduands to uphold integrity, commitment, and compassion as they move into leadership roles in the health system.
“The skies are no limits for you and there are no limits to what you can become and accomplish,” he told them.
The 43rd Convocation was not only about graduands; it was also a platform to recognise those who have contributed immensely to the growth of the College and the medical profession at large. Four Distinguished Fellows were honoured for their selfless service, mentorship, and decades of commitment to medical training.
“While we are honoured to applaud your efforts during your lifetime, only God can truly reward your unfeigned commitment to the ideals of the College,” Dr. Ebeigbe said in tribute.
The MD programme, which was also celebrated at the event, has become one of the College’s strong academic pillars, with more than 400 candidates awarded the degree since inception. Thirty-four graduands were conferred with the MD this year, joining a growing body of specialists who combine clinical expertise with academic leadership.
The convocation reflected the duality of challenges and progress. On one hand, the College has had to contend with the realities of brain drain and resource limitations; on the other hand, it continues to expand training, innovate in assessment, and strengthen its academic offerings.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the atmosphere was a blend of pride, hope, and reflection. Families celebrated the success of loved ones who had endured years of rigorous training, while faculty members saw in the graduands the fruits of their investment in mentorship.
For the College, the 43rd Convocation underscored its enduring relevance in shaping the future of Nigeria’s medical profession, even as it confronts systemic challenges.
In his parting message, Dr. Ebeigbe reminded the new specialists of their broader responsibility to the nation. “Your training here has equipped you to meet the health needs of our people. We charge you to serve with distinction, to uphold the ethics of the profession, and to be worthy ambassadors of this great College,” he said.