77 graduates of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) and 48 graduates of Junior Community Health Extension Workers (JCHEW) were recently inducted by the Community Health Practitioners' Registration Board of Nigeria. This marks a significant milestone for the 91-year-old Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The induction ceremony, held at the college hall, also included graduates from Bethsaida College of Health Technology in Ogbomoso and Lead City College of Health Technology in Ibadan. Several distinguished guests attended the event, such as the Honourable Commissioner for Health, represented by the Director of Nursing Services from the State Hospitals' Management Board, and the Representative of the Registrar of the Community Health Practitioners' Registration Board of Nigeria. Other notable attendees included the South West Technical Director, Comrade Abayomi Great, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, and the Provost of the College of Health Science/Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Prof. Sola Ladokun.
During her address at the ceremony, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, praised the college for maintaining its high academic standards and assured the continuous support of the state government. Dr. Ajetunmobi emphasized the importance of education and health in Governor Seyi Makinde's administration and urged the inductees to prioritize the well-being of their patients and uphold the ethical standards of their profession.
The Provost of Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Pharmacist Oluyemisi Oyewo, congratulated the graduates on their successful completion of the courses. She encouraged them to be diligent, maintain professional integrity, and abide by the ethical principles of their profession. Pharmacist Oyewo expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for the consistent financial and logistical support provided to the college and thanked Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi for her unwavering support.
Representing the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Community Health Practitioners' Registration Board of Nigeria, Alhaji Bashir Idris, Comrade Abayomi Great commended the college's management for maintaining high educational standards throughout the years. He advised the inductees to always adhere to the rules of the profession.
Dr. Muideen Olatunji, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, and Comrade Kabir Hammed, the National President of the National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria, both encouraged the newly inducted healthcare workers to continue their studies and respect the rules and regulations of the profession. They delivered their messages through Mrs. Tolulope Olusola Jimoh, the Oyo State Chairman of the Association.
Dr. Monday Famakin, who delivered the induction lecture titled "Embracing Excellence: A New Journey Begins," highlighted the professional demands of the healthcare profession. He stressed the importance of neatness in appearance and considering the well-being of clients in practice.
Mrs. Temitope Afolake Hannah Awotunde, the Head of the Community Health Department, Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the ceremony and commended the college's management for their support. She encouraged the inductees to be outstanding representatives of their alma mater and apply their training effectively in the field.