By Adeyinka Adeniran
Two graduates bagged first class degree out of a total of 24 that were inducted into the Environmental Health Profession after earning their Bachelor of Environmental Health Science (B.EHS) from College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI-CoM), Ibadan.
The induction of the new Environmental Health Officers held at the CANHENT Building, Beside Abiola Ajimobi Child Welfare Centre, University College (UCH) Premises, Ibadan, on Tuesday.
In a remark before administering the oath and presentation of the provisional license to the new officers, the Registrar, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Dr. Yakubu Baba said the induction ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduands, who have undergone rigorous training and practice sessions to emerge successful.
The Registrar’s who was represented by Mrs Hauwa Abdullahi commended the Department of Environmental Health Science for their commitment, resilience, and dedication to training the graduates.
While lauding the University management and lecturers for their contributions to the building of the young professionals, she hailed the parents, guardians, and families for their sacrifices and unwavering support during the students’ periods of rigorous studying.
She urged the new professionals to uphold the values and ethics of the profession, noting that environmental health is about service, integrity, and diligence, and that their impact may not always be immediately visible, but it is foundational to the well-being of society.
She enouraged the graduates to hold fast to professionalism, honesty, and discipline, and not compromise the ethics of the “noble calling”, assuring that, if they faithfully uphold the practice, opportunities will open to them not only in Nigeria but globally.
She highlighted the range of business opportunities available to environmental health professionals in private practice, assuring them of a level playing ground to flourish in different service areas.
Speaking, the Chairman of occasion and Vice-Chancellor, UI, Professor Kayode Adebowale charged the newly inducted environmental health professionals to uphold the highest ethical standards and be agents of change and advocacy in their field.
He emphasized the critical role of environmental health professionals in protecting public health, environmental sustainability, and human dignity.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the inductees to be lifelong learners, noting that the field of environmental health constantly evolves with new pathogens emerging, new pollutants identified, and new technologies for mitigation developed.
He also charged them to be agents of change and advocacy, using their knowledge to enlighten communities, shape public policy, and champion sustainable practices.
In his remarks, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, who also represented the UI VC congratulated the graduands, praising their unity, purpose, and commitment to excellence.
He reminded them that their profession is a noble calling that demands precision, moral courage, and a commitment to serving humanity with empathy.
Ogundiran also urged the graduands to stay connected to the university’s Alumni Association, mentor, and support future generations of students.
