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Mr Princewill Okorie, National Coordinator, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Electricity Consumers Protection Advocacy Group, has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to include electricity consumers’ right in bill.
He made the call in Abuja on Thursday at the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) version of the FCT Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Electricity Consumers Protection Advocacy programme.
Okorie, who is also the National President, Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA), appealed to NASS to include electricity consumer’s right in the new Electricity Bill it is about to pass.
“I call on the National Assembly that is about to approve a new Electricity Bill, 2022, to look into the matter seriously because it bothers on economic and safety of Nigerians.
“It will be contradictory for us to prosecute, try and punish those who individually steal from other citizens and use bureaucracy or law to protect corporate organisations,” he said.
According to him, the overall objective of the national MSME electricity consumer protection advocacy programme is to intervene through advocacy and capacity building programmes for business membership organisations.
“It is with a view to exposing them to the provisions of consumer protection component of Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005,” he said.
Okorie said that in order to address the issue of electricity consumers’ right, the theme of the event “Developing Grassroots Based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) through Electricity Consumer Protection Education” was selected.
He said in order to resolve the issues properly, relevant stakeholders made presentations on various topics.
He said that in addition, a book titled: “Basic challenges of Safety and Quality Standards in Electricity sector’’ was published.
On his part, Mr Oluwale Fasanya, Director-General of Small, Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), said that the theme of the programme was apt as it involved MSME at the grassroots.
Fasanya, represented by Mrs Mary Kolawole, Manager, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) SMEDAN, said that the programme was an opportunity for electricity consumers to be aware of their rights and obligations.
In her Keynote Address, Mrs Janet Odo, Assistant Director, Consumer Education, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), said that the commission recognised the valuable role played by the MSME in nation’s economy.
Odo said that the MSMEs were number one driver of the economy by providing jobs to many and had also been the source of livelihood to many households.
She said that the commission also recognised the challenges of power supply faced by FCT residents, especially its impact on micro, small and medium enterprises.
“Not only is the supply inadequate, but also many are groaning under the burden of excessive billing or tariff.
“Being aware that every penny inputted into the business affects overall turnover, the commission is working hard to ensure that the consumer gets value for every electricity product paid for.
“But the question remains “how can one accurately measure consumption to know whether it is under payment or over payment of ?
’’
“This is where consumer education comes in,” he added.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Worldwide (NIDOWW), says Diasporas voting in Nigeria remains a non-negotiable fundamental right,
NIDOWW comprises Nigerians In Diaspora Organisations (NIDO) chapters in Europe, Americas, Asia, Oceania and Africa, which harnesses and galvanises professional and financial resources of Nigerian citizens across continents to promote growth of their fatherland.
NIDOWW representatives spoke during a virtual conference with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Abuja.
The organisation made its stance known against the backdrop of a Bill for an Act to alter provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on Diaspora voting and other related matters.
The Coordinating Chairman of NIDOWW, Mr Linus Unamadu, urged the 9th Senate to review its move against Diaspora voting and special seat for women.
Unamadu, who is also the Chairman of NIDO-Oceania said: “Voting is a birthright; it is your entitlement as citizens of the country, we all have that privilege.
“Going by Diasporas contribution to our fatherland, the Federal Government needs to recognise NIDO as flag bearer of Nigeria outside, and so create an equal opportunity for members to vote during elections.
“We call on the National Assembly (NASS), to review its policy and give Nigerians in Diaspora the opportunity to be able to vote.
“We strongly believe and hope for something positive with all the support from Nigerians in the Diaspora; we are not going to give up until we get what we are looking for.
“It our fundamental right to vote; this is not negotiable and we are looking forward to it.”
Similarly, Susan Waya, current Chairman of NIDO, UK-South Chapter, said; “Diasporas not voting will make us feel like slaves, even worse.
“It is as if all what is needed from us are remittances, it is sad that we have to beg to be given right to vote and even, to be voted for.
“It is a horrible feeling that I am getting same kind of treatment abroad, if this is not arrested, our children will suffer and can be treated like outcasts.”
Mr Wale Ade, a Nigerian Canadian Business Network (NCBN) official said: “We are Diasporas and Nigeria must recognise us, but we need to look at the timing.
“We have to start now, we need to keep asking, we need to also exercise patience and ensure proper organisation.
“To help the country conduct credible elections, we must consider Diaspora voting and deal with the pressure of vote counts delay since we are not using electronic voting now.”
Also speaking, Evang. Fortune Nweke, NIDO Australia member, stressed the need for inclusive participation of NIDO in Nigeria’s electoral process as a way forward for Diaspora voting.
According to Nweke, there is need for NIDO representatives to be part of decision making on electoral processes in the interest of compatriots abroad.
“We should establish a NIDO structure in Nigeria, whereby expatriates wanting to take up professional jobs in giving back to the community can do so.
“NIDO needs representative structure where we can do groundwork, disabuse minds on fears of Diaspora inclusion in voting,”Nweke said.
Meanwhile, Sir Chibuzor Ubochi, former Chairman of NIDO-UK South, said that the organisation would continue to appeal to relevant government authorities until the goal was achieved.
According to Ubochi, also a practicing Attorney in UK, Diasporas were surprised that the bill designed to provide them a platform to vote in elections was not passed into law.
“We met lots of our National Assembly members; we told them about the need for us to vote, hence our surprise and disappointment that the bill was not passed.
“A Nigerian within or outside of the country must be given the right to exercise his or her franchise as a citizen, we should be allowed to vote and be voted for.
“We have 1.7million Nigerians in the Diaspora, one Nigerian is a Nigerian and his or her right should not be toyed with, they should be allowed to vote,” Ubochi said.
On his part, Mr Odion Alofokhai, an official of NIDO Oceania-Queensland, Australia, said members of the organisation should find out the reasons behind the senate’s rejection of the bill.
“We contribute money through remittances; we have a big voice that should be listened to, if only we can push this further with the backing of NIDCOM, we can achieve positive results,” Alofokhai said.
NAN repots that the senate had on March 2, rejected changes to the constitution to allow citizens abroad to vote in national elections.
Also rejected was the provision to allocate special seats for women to increase their political representations.
Only 29 of the 92 Senators present at plenary supported the provision to allow Nigerians abroad to vote in national polls.
For a constitutional bill to pass, it requires the support of at least two-thirds of the 109-member senate. (NAN) (
Source Credit: NAN
UN Women has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to legislate bills that not only guarantee gender equality but also promote the progress of women. The call is in a statement signed by Lamptey, the UN Women Representative in Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday. Lamptey said it was time for Nigeria to heed the calls of half its population, the electorate, and take similar steps that would ensure greater representation and participation of women in government. He reaffirmed the UN's commitment to promoting gender equality for global development, advising that Nigeria should be at the forefront of advocacy and legislation. She said that “it is important to note that Nigeria has an obligation, based on international and regional commitments, to adopt legislation that will help remove the barriers that prevent current and future generations of women from having the right to participate in public life. "Nigeria should also adopt laws that allow women to enjoy their human rights as full citizens in a democratic state." The UN Women Representative in the Country, who lamented “the rejection of gender equality bills in March, designated as the month of women's rights, highlighted the need to approve a constitution and other national laws that provide equal rights and opportunities, including Special Seats or Proportional Representation System. She said that “the month of March is globally recognized as the month of women's rights. "It is therefore disheartening and ironic that bills related to the advancement of women and the Nigerian nation in general were defeated in the month." Lamptey emphasized the imperatives of gender equality laws in Nigeria in line with the country's standard-setting role as a leading democracy in Africa. She explained: “For Nigeria to meet its deepest aspirations in the race to achieve the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, investing in women's leadership is critical; UN Women remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Nigeria on this journey.” Lamptey also reiterated the UN's determination to support the enthronement of women in leadership "as the country heads to the 2023 elections. “We will support women's leadership, including that of young women seeking political office, and promote a peaceful and enabling environment for women to fully participate as voters and candidates. “We will continue to support Nigeria in promoting and adopting non-discriminatory and inclusive laws and policies to build a nation that truly leaves no one behind. “UN Women, however, praised the courageous Vice President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, for giving women their rightful place in the constitutional amendment process. “We acknowledge the bold and forward-thinking decision of the Chair of the Senate Constitutional Review Committee and Deputy Chair of the Senate, the distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in inviting UN Women to support the review process by sending a gender expert and constitutional reform who served as part of the technical team for the last 18 months. "UN Women further recognizes all the elected members of the National Assembly who voted in favor of bills related to the promotion of women's rights in Nigeria." He also saluted the women in the National Assembly for sponsoring important bills that seek to promote inclusive and sustainable development. “Today more than ever, the experiences and knowledge of Nigerian women are needed to design Nigerian laws and policies that make them beneficial to the interests of women and men without exclusion or discrimination,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, Professor Timothy Adebayo, has called for the law establishing the Trust Fund for Tertiary Education (TETFUND) to be modified to accommodate the country's private universities.
He made the appeal at a press conference held on Monday in Oyo, prior to the institution's convening ceremony.
The Nigerian News Agency reports that ACU, a religious institution, was established as the Diocesan (Western) Board of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
It also reports that a total of 990 students graduated in 2019/2020, of which 51 made first class, while 1,165 graduated in 2020/2021 session, with 34 in first class.
Adebayo called on the federal government and the National Assembly (NASS) to modify the law to allow private universities to benefit from the fund.
While he identified funding as a major challenge facing private universities in Nigeria, he said that the staff and students of private universities should not be deprived of the right to benefit from public funds.
The chancellor noted that private universities also need grants to ease the pressure on public universities in terms of admissions.
Adebayo said private universities had been helping to mitigate pressure on public universities but were nevertheless hampered by funding.
He said most of them were not receiving grants from any source other than the tuition paid by philanthropists.
“As in the last count, Nigeria has 99 private universities. Giving them a grant will alleviate the funding problem and mitigate the fee charged.
"Education is one of the vital tools that cannot be completely privatized," he explained.
Previously, the rector said that the special and combined convocation ceremony would include the inauguration of the completed projects at the institution.
He said the 2020 call that was stagnant would be combined with the 2021 call.
Adebayo said the combined convocation ceremony 12 and 13, which began on November 27, would end on December 4.
According to him, the delivery of diploma and first degree will take place on December 3, while that of postgraduate and honorary degrees will take place on December 4 .
Source: NAN
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to expedite the passage of the Hunters Bill 2020, to support government efforts in effectively tackling insecurity.
Bello made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja when he received the Hunters Council of Nigeria, commending him for his approach to fighting insecurity and crimes in Kogi.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the National Hunters Council of Nigeria is pushing for the passage of its Hunters Bill (2020) to give it more powers as a law enforcement agency to help in fighting crimes.
The proposed Bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Adiodun Olujimi, has passed first and second readings at both Chambers of the NASS.
Bello noted that the Bill, when passed into law, would give the Hunters Council a legal teeth to combat criminal elements alongside other security agencies.
The governor noted that using the hunters to combat crimes in Kogi is one of the secrets to the state’s successes in tackling crimes and insecurity.
“I will urge the National Assembly to pass this Bill into law so that we will be able to empower all of you to take the security head on.
“You can see exactly what our hunters are doing in Kogi State. Sometimes, they even rescue some of our security personnel.
“So when every inch of the land is been represented by you, you need to secure every inch of the land.
“When we take care of every inch of the land, our communities will be safe, our roads will be safe, our local governments will be safe, our states will be safe and of course, our nation will be safe.
“I thank you for your support, for this your call, and for lending your voice and promising your support to this movement,” Bello said.
Amb. Joshua Osatimehin, the Commander General, Nigeria Hunters Council, had earlier thanked Bello for supporting and recognising the group and for been a major promoter of the passage of the Hunters’ Bill.
“One of the aims of the visit is to thank His Excellency for supporting us to see that the National Assembly pass this Bill.
“Because during our Public Hearing he asked all the Senators representing the State, especially Sen. Smart Adeyemi, to give us an overwhelming support.
“I am not surprised because he is a lover of security, and calling on the National Assembly to expedite action on the speedy passage of the remaining process.
“Because we have done the first reading, the second reading, and the third reading is what we are waiting for,” Osatimehin said.
Source: NAN
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Friday advocated for increased participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the political system to vote and be voted for.
Mr Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary, NHRC, made the call when the Network of Disabled Women (NDW) led President, Lois Auta-Udonkanta, paid him a visit at the commission on Friday in Abuja.
Ojukwu, who was represented Arase, the Deputy Director, Vulnerable Group Department in the commission, stressed the importance of creating a level playing ground for the female gender in politics, especially disabled women.
He said women should be placed side other citizen in contesting positions, as well as voting for candidates of their choice to enable them contribute to national development.
“It is high time women political participation, especially the involvement of women with disabilities is taken to the next level in Nigeria.
“Disabled women should be placed side other citizen contesting elections because they also have a lot of capacity and should contribute to national growth.
“We protect the rights of every citizen of Nigeria, as long as it is within our organisation’s goal and has legal backing.
“I want to assure you that the commission will protect your human rights if you contest election and if there is any case of violence against women with disabilities,” he pledged.
Earlier, Auta-Udonkanta said the visit to the commission was to solicit its support on the group’s call on the National Assembly (NASS), to reform legislations that would enhance inclusive political participation, particularly for women and girls with disabilities.
She said the call was in line with the Article on Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) article 6 (Women with Disabilities), 29 (participation in public life), Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5, (Gender Equality) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
While recalling the challenges she faced when she contested for the House of Representatives position in 2019, Auta-Udonkanta expressed her intension to run for same position in 2023 with greater hope of winning.
“I am the first disabled woman to run for a political office, I ran for house of representatives position in 2019 but lost. Yes I got only 2500 votes while the winner got over 19,000 votes, but I am more encouraged to contest again because I have learnt the lessons.
“I have started consultations to ensure we do not repeat same mistakes. Women contribute more to the GDP, we are best managers and when given the leadership opportunity, we leave office with better achievements,” she said.
On his part, Imoh Iteh, the NDW Programmes Officer, called on the NASS to create legislations that would enable women with disabilities to occupy leadership positions and participate in public life.
“Women are generally neglected in public life and it is worse for women with disabilities.
“If men refuse to partner with women, they will not see the good qualities in them beyond marriage or friendship, but records have shown that women who have held leadership positions have performed excellently,” he said.
Similarly, Ms Janet Alabede, member of NDW, said PWDs had the capacity to contribute to national development, and so should be supported towards advancing their political and economic participation.
Source: NAN
Parliaments in Africa have been enjoined to learn the system and the practice in the National Assembly of Nigeria, for e-parliament, modern technology, transparency and accuracy.
Clerk of Namibia House of Parliament, Ms. Lydia Kandetu, stated this on Wednesday, when she led a delegation of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, African region, to the National Assembly (NASS), Abuja.
Kandetu, after being conducted around the facilities of the National Assembly and the plenary processes, extolled the e-parliament processes employed by NASS.
“We have learnt something from the Parliament of Nigeria today. It is a place of significance”, Kandetu, who chaired the first session of the Society of Clerks-At-The-Table (SoCATT), told Journalists after the tour.
Particularly, Ms. Kandetu applauded Nigeria for installing a time board and electronic voting machines for Members of Parliament during plenaries, observing that this would promote transparency, unity, accuracy and e-parliament.
“We went inside the chamber, obviously, the rules are very strict. We wanted to take some photos, because when you are coming to visit any other chamber of a country you want to learn more, you want to imitate, learn something to take back to your country.
“I have seen a picture inside the chamber, where they get a board that is showing a time, whenever Members are talking, a board that serves as a time keeper for Members which informs you when your time is up or whether you have a few minutes left.
“I have seen also, that when they have elections, when the House is divided, they have to vote, there is also a board that is indicating who are for and who are against, and those that are abstaining.
“It is very very important, so that in itself, it is a process of unity, it is a process of fairness, no one will come and say I did not say I was abstaining, everything will be on the board”, she said.
She added that besides the CPA conference, some of the delegates from the Commonwealth Parliament would be visiting Nigeria soonest, to learn more of the process of Parliament and goverce, not forgetting the “rich cultural heritage of the country”.
The Clerk to the National Assembly of Nigeria, Mr. Ojo Amos, on his part, explained the workings of the Parliament in Nigeria, especially its facilities that include an “ICT centre that can accommodate all participants at the CPA conference; facilities for visual meetings”, amongst others.
He assured that the National Assembly complex could host a session of the SoCATT.
Nigeria currently practises a bicameral legislature, with the Upper legislative chamber, Senate, having 109 Members; while the House of Representatives, the lower chamber, houses 360 Members, making the NASS as the largest House of Parliament in Africa, enabled with sophisticated technologies for security and e-parliament.
Source: NAN
By Katurak Yashim
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has thrown its weight behind the ongoing nationwide strike, embarked on by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Prof. Innocent Ujah, and Secretary-General, Dr Philips Ekpe, the NMA said the Federal Government should resolve all pending issues with NARD within 21 days in the interest of all concerned.
The NMA released the statement on Sunday after the executive arm of the association held a National Executive Council (NEC), meeting between Aug. 22 and Aug. 28 in Benin.
The association said that it would not allow any doctor to be victimised for participating in the strike instituted by NARD.
The statement reads: “The various industrial disputes involving the different affiliates of the association was exhaustively reviewed.
“After due consideration, NEC put the Federal Government on a 21-days notice to fully resolve all the issues contained in the various agreements signed with the affiliate members of the NMA including NARD, MDCAN, and MEDSABAMS.
“The Nigerian Medical Association fully supports all her affiliates in their efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the welfare of her members.
“NEC affirms that no doctor shall be victimised for participating, or not participating in the strike by NARD.
“If the FG fails to implement the agreements after the expiration of the 21-days notice, NMA shall summon an Emergency Delegate Meeting to review the progress made on the implementation of the agreements,” it stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria , reports that the NARD commenced a nationwide strike on Aug. 1, , after the three months it gave the Federal Government to implement the terms of the MoU it signed with the association in April elapsed.
Since the commencement of the strike, the National Assembly (NASS), has made several attempts to intervene in the matter by holding meetings with the NARD leadership, but these meetings had produced no concrete result.
In an earlier interview with , the NARD Publicity Secretary, Dr Dotun Oshikoya, accused the FG of being indifferent towards its demands, saying that this action had also frustrated NASS, forcing it to “take off its hands” from the matter.
Oshikoya said that in spite of the association’s discussions with the NASS, nothing tangible had been done to address the issues that triggered the ongoing strike because the executive arm of the government remained unresponsive.
“The executive arm of the government is not doing anything to implement our demands, and the NASS can only be a mediator and make recommendations; they cannot do their work for them,” Oshikoya said.
reports that a no-work-no-pay order, instituted by the FG for doctors at the federal and state public health institutions is currently being implemented.
The FG had issued a circular directing all Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Medical Directors (MDs) of state and federal hospitals, to open a work register for doctors.
This directive implies that doctors yet to return to work will not be paid August salary, even as NARD claimed that government was owing its members in some state and federal hospitals salaries spanning between three months and one year.
also reports that some of the demands made by NARD include immediate salary payment to all house officers and an upward review of the current hazard allowance to 50 per cent of consolidated salaries of all health workers.
Other demands are payment of outstanding COVID-19 allowance and payment of death in service insurance for all health workers, who died as a result of COVID-19 infection, or other infectious diseases in the country.
NARD also insists that salary shortfalls of 2014, 2015, and 2016, owed members in state and federal health institutions be paid.
Since the commencement of the strike, healthcare delivery in state and federal public health facilities remain epileptic with only consultants and corps doctors available in most facilities to cater to the health needs of the public.
Source: NAN
By Katurak Yashim
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says the executive arm of government’s indifference in meeting doctors’ demands has frustrated the National Assembly (NASS), forcing it to “take off its hands” from the strike.
The association said this while reacting to the benefits the meeting between the association and the NASS has had in addressing the demands made by the association to enable it to call off the industrial action.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria , the NARD Publicity Secretary, Dr Dotun Oshikoya, said that the NASS seemed frustrated and likely “taking off its hands” from the issue.
Oshikoya said that this is because the executive arm of the government was not responsive and playing its role to resolve the issues, stating that the NASS cannot do the job of the executive.
reports that the association has held meetings with the NASS to critically look into the issues raised by the association which triggered the ongoing strike and find ways to address them.
Read also: Medical Council inducts 879 foreign-trained doctors amid Strike“The way I see things now, it looks like the NASS is taking off its hands from the issue.
“The executive arm of the government is not doing anything to implement our demands and the NASS can only be a mediator and make recommendations; they cannot do their work for them.
“Despite our discussions with the NASS nothing tangible has been done to address the issues that triggered the strike.
“The Federal Government has just been paying lip service in the media to either confuse the public or gain sympathy.
“Nothing concrete has been done. They have just been engaging in bureaucracies but they are yet to solve the problems.
“If the government is very sincere, the ongoing strike should have ended by now. The strike is three weeks old and nothing has been done despite the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) we signed with it in April,” said the NARD spokesman.
Oshikoya said that three weeks into the strike by resident doctors, the federal government was yet to make any form of payment to doctors owed salaries for several months.
He said that the government was also yet to make any commitment as to when the salaries would be paid and other demands met.
“We have realised that the government is insincere as per our demands.
“Our members being owed salaries are yet to see an alert since the strike commenced and the government has also not informed us of when exactly these salaries would be paid.
“They signed an MoU with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) that they will not victimise any doctor.
“As I speak to you, however, a circular was issued directing all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of all public hospitals in Nigeria to open a register and institute no-work-no-pay for all doctors.
“Some of our members in the state and federal health institutions are yet to collect between three to four months’ salaries, some are owed nine months or more. With the no-work-no-pay directive, these doctors will not also get their salary for August.
“The government’s only concern now is to stop the salaries of doctors not working when it already owes these doctors salaries spanning several months to a year, ” he emphasised.
Oshikoya however assured that the strike would be called off once the government paid resident doctors’ salaries owed them or concrete and tangible commitment made by the government as to when the payment would be made.
He said “this strike can stop this evening if salaries are paid now. The government claims not to have money to pay our salaries, but they have money to do other things”.
He insisted that without resolving the issues raised by the association, the strike would continue.
reports that some of the demands made by the resident doctors include immediate salary payment to all house officers and an upward review of the current hazard allowance to 50 per cent of consolidated salaries of all health workers.
Other demands are payment of outstanding COVID-19 allowance and payment of death in service insurance for all health workers who died as a result of COVID-19 infection or other infectious diseases in the country.
NARD also insists that salary shortfalls of 2014, 2015 and 2016 owed members in state and federal health institutions be paid.
The association in the last weeks met with the NASS to discuss these issues and find ways to resolving them.
The meetings ended with no concrete solution or measures to address the demands.
The NASS, however, appealed to the Director General of Budget, Federal Ministry of Health and the Head of Service of the Federation to ensure proper arrangements were made in the annual budget to provide for doctors’ salaries and allowances.
recalls that the association commenced the nationwide indefinite strike on Aug. 1.
Source: NAN
…….As NASS appeals to NARD to resume work
By Katurak Yashim
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) on Thursday inducted 879 foreign-trained medical and dental graduates amidst an ongoing strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The induction was conducted at the headquarters of the council in Abuja after a successful examination by the inductees organised by the MDCN at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, in June 2021.
The induction took place even as the National Assembly (NASS) urged resident doctors to return to work, assuring that the Federal Government is working to address the issues raised by its leadership.
The 862 medical and 17 dental graduates who studied at various universities abroad were inducted into the MDCN, giving them the license to practice medicine and dentistry in the country.
Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, said that the induction came with mixed feelings for the health sector and the federal government due to the ongoing NARD strike.
“Despite the joy of today, it is unfortunate that we have some of our colleagues who are not working now in the hospitals. A lot of our citizens are suffering as a result of this.
“We use this opportunity to call on the resident doctors to go back to work and serve humanity like they have been called to do.
“Whatever the issues at stake are, it is being handled by those of us who have the responsibility to ensure that payments are made. The process is ongoing,” he said.
Oloriegbe charged the newly inducted graduates to take their pledge to serve humanity seriously by working diligently and maintaining the confidentiality of their patients at all times.
Rep. Tanko Sununu, the Chairman, House Committee on Health, also enjoined the inductees to abide by the ethics of the profession as anyone found wanting would be prosecuted.
“For the MDCN, ignorance is not an excuse to commit any offence as a doctor; you will be prosecuted.
“Always seek the patient’s consent before carrying out medical procedures to allow the patient to make informed decisions as they have the right to be heard and receive the right treatment.
“What you have done so far is child’s play. You must begin now to expand your knowledge and skill henceforth so that you can be able to guide your patients,” he advised.
Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health, said that the induction has added to the health workforce which would help push the agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari for the sector.
“The President’s roadmap to achieve the next level agenda on ‘Delivering on the Government’s Priorities 2019-2023’ charges the health sector to build on Human Capital Development by improving on health outcomes.
“Today’s induction is significant in that 879 practitioners will be added to the group of medical personnel that is already working to actualise this vision,” Ehanire said.
The minister however cautioned the inductees against issuing fake sick and death certificates to persons who were not sick and still alive.
Prof. Abba Hassan, the Chairman, MDCN, had earlier said that the induction was divided into three batches to abide by COVID-19 social distancing protocols.
Hassan stated that out of the 1,000 medical graduates and 33 dental graduates that sat for the examination, only 862 and 17, respectively, were successful.
Dr Tajudeen Sanusi, the Registrar, MDCN, cautioned the new inductees against breaking the rules guiding the profession, adding that any doctor certified to be a danger to public health would be suspended.
“The council has a disciplinary organ which is made up of an investigative panel and the disciplinary tribunal. The panel conducts a preliminary investigation into alleged professional misconduct.
“If the panel feels in any situation that you constitute a danger to public health, you will be suspended immediately; of course the trial will be facilitated,” he warned.
The registrar advised them against joining the NARD strike and also against resigning after being assigned residency positions at health facilities across the country.
“Under no condition will you write back to say you want to resign. If you wish to resign you must return all the salaries you have been paid. We are not entertaining any form of resignation,” he stated.
Dr Lanre Balogun, an inductee and a graduate of the National University of Ireland, said that he intend to practice medicine in Nigeria and would specialise in the field of cardiology.
Dr Ogbe Oritsegbubemi, commended the efforts made by the MDCN saying that the examination and induction process was seamless.
Oritsegbubemi said that after the period of residency, she will specialise in paediatrics due to her love for children. (NAN)
Source: NAN
