The Provost of Premier College of Health Technology, Adekanra Ibadan in Oyo state, Dr. Kayode Afolabi has advised students of the institution to embrace the values of integrity, compassion, and professionalism.
Afolabi maintained that these values are essential not only for their academic success but also for their future careers.
He made these assertions on Thursday while speaking at the maiden matriculation ceremony held in the institution’s auditorium where no fewer than two hundred and fifty pioneer students took matriculation oaths.
The event was witnessed by the Alajia of Ajia, Oba Nureni Yusuf, Oniladuntan of Laduntan, Oba Kamorudeen Adebowale, Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, Chairman of Ona Ara local government area, Hon. Kolapo Temitope Glorious, a former Head of Department of Social Work, University of Ibadan, Professor James Ayangunna, a lecturer in the department of Social Work, Dr. Abimbola Afolabi and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health in Oyo state, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde who was represented by Pharmacist Olubukola Ayinde.
Other dignitaries at the event include; Mr Adesoji, the Librarian, Oyo State College of Science and Health Technology, Eleyele Ibadan, who represented the Provost, Dr Olanrewaju John Adedayo, Head of Department, Environmental Health and Toxicology, Lead City University and Alhaji Akeem Akinyemi,
Dean of Faculty of Social Management and Humanities, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Dr. Afolabi while addressing the students, enjoined them to remember that the journey ahead will not be without its obstacles.
He used the opportunity to task them to allow their passion for healthcare drive them forward, and never lose sight of the positive impact they can make on the lives of others in Nigeria and beyond.
He added that the institution has received the accreditation by the appropriate agencies and parastatals of the federal government of Nigeria for the training of Community Health Extension Workers, the Junior Community Health Extension Workers, Environmental Health Technology, Family Healthcare Technology, Health Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician and Health Information Management among others.
He urged the pioneer students to embrace the values of integrity, compassion, and professionalism.
Afolabi maintained that these values are essential not only for their academic success but also for their future careers.
“It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to usher in our first ever matriculation ceremony and welcome you all to the Premier College of Health Technology, Adekanra, Ibadan. This auspicious occasion marks a significant milestone in the lives of our matriculating students as they embark on a journey of academic excellence and professional growth. It is indeed the beginning of a new chapter in the annals of our students and the college.
“At PCHT, our mission is to contribute to Universal Health Coverage by ensuring availability of Human Resources for Health through excellence and innovation in health training and career development for healthcare providers. In this regard, we strive for excellence in innovative education, training and career development for the Health Workforce. Our values, which all students are to imbibe are Passion, Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Professionalism and Quality care.
“Explicitly, at PCHT, we foster passion, creativity and innovation to make a difference in Primary Health Care and Universal Health Coverage. Also, we apply the highest standards of scientific and ethical integrity with responsibility towards the community and we strive to be outstanding in proffering excellent solutions to major challenges of Public Health concern.
“We lay emphasis on the use of technology to enhance teaching and training with a view to preparing the students for a world that has become a global village, exposing students to e-learning and m-health opportunities. We train our students to leverage technology for learning and services provision. Premier College has well-equipped science laboratories, community health skills acquisition laboratory, a computer-based laboratory with multimedia facilities and environmental health museum among others. As an institution that imbibes co curriculum, we have recreational facilities and extra-curricular activities. Our institution is situated in a serene environment that is most suitable for uninterrupted learning, and we are happy to occupy a large expanse of land for future expansion.
“Premier College has received the accreditation by the appropriate agencies and parastatals of the federal government of Nigeria for the training of Community Health Extension Workers, the Junior Community Health Extension Workers, Environmental Health Technology, Family Healthcare Technology, Health Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician and Health Information Management among others.
“Currently we have a total of 175 scholarships cutting across different courses including Community Health, Environmental Health Technology, Family Healthcare Technology and Health Assistant. Our different Scholarship Schemes provide opportunities for deserving students to access quality training without financial shock. These scholarships are funded by Okunlola Foundation and Tolulope Afolabi Student Scholarship.
“Our dear students, as you embark on this exciting chapter of your lives, I want to remind you of the immense potential that lies within each of you. This institution is dedicated to providing you with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills to become competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. Our experienced faculty members are committed to guiding and supporting you as you navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“Remember, the journey ahead will not be without its obstacles. There will be times when you may feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or uncertain. But it is during these moments that your resilience, determination, and perseverance will be tested. Let your passion for healthcare drive you forward, and never lose sight of the positive impact you can make on the lives of others in Nigeria and beyond.
As you matriculate today, I urge you to embrace the values of integrity, compassion, and professionalism. These values are essential not only for your academic success but also for your future careers. Strive to be ethical in your dealings, empathetic towards your patients, and dedicated to providing the highest quality of care”.
Other speakers at the event among whom are Professor James Ayangunna, Alajia of Ajia Oba Nureni Yusuf, ALGON Chairman, Hon Sikiru Oyedele Sanda and Chairman of Ona Ara local government area, Dr. Kolapo Temitope Glorious advised the students to remember the sons and daughters of who they are.
