Don’t japa, Egbewole urges new Optometry inductees
By Tajudeen Babamale and Abubakar Abdulquadri
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has appealed to newly inducted optometrists produced by the institution to resist the growing urge to leave the country, noting that Nigerians need their professional expertise now more than ever.
Prof. Egbewole made the call last Friday (December 5, 2025) in his keynote address at the oath-taking and induction ceremony of the 2024/2025 Optometry and Visual Science graduands held at the Science Lecture Theatre of the University.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Moji TaibatBakare-Odunola, the Vice Chancellor congratulated the graduating students, urging them to serve humanity with integrity and dedication.
Prof. Egbewole cautioned them against prioritising financial gains over service, stressing that the country requires their skills to strengthen the health sector.
The Vice Chancellor commended parents and guardians for supporting their children throughout their academic journey, acknowledging their sacrifices and prayers that contributed to the success celebrated at the ceremony.
Meanwhile, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr Obinna Edwin Awiaka, advised the newly inducted optometrists from the University of Ilorin to place professional knowledge above the pursuit of financial gains as they begin their careers.
The Registrar, who was represented by the body’s Deputy Registrar, Dr Igbo Okafor, noted that the true value of the profession lies not in monetary rewards, but in the ability to transform lives through competent and compassionate eye care.
He urged the new professionals to treat patients with respect, dignity, and empathy, reminding them that their conduct reflects the training and values they received from their alma mater. According to him, humility remains one of the strongest markers of a true healthcare professional, and the graduates must strive to sustain this virtue throughout their practice.
The Registrar further admonished them not to forget the University of Ilorin, their academic home, which played a vital role in shaping their professional foundation. He encouraged them to stay connected, contribute to the growth of the department, and uphold the reputation of the institution wherever they find themselves.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, Prof. Rotimi Olusanya Arise, charged the new graduates to uphold the highest ethical standards as they begin their professional journey.
Prof. Arise reminded the inductees that the oath they took signified much more than a formal requirement, as he described it a solemn commitment to serve humanity with compassion, integrity, and professionalism. He urged them to approach their careers with a strong sense of responsibility, empathy, and dedication to improving the visual health of the society they are trained to serve.
Emphasising the rapidly evolving nature of the profession, the Dean advised the new optometrists to remain committed to continuous learning, encouraged them to engage in research, attend conferences, and embrace modern technologies to stay ahead in the field. He noted that this would enable them deliver the highest quality of care to their future patients and position themselves as leaders within the profession.
Prof. Arise further celebrated the collective success of the graduating class, noting that all 37 candidates who sat for the professional examinations passed.
He said that the achievement reflects both the hard work of the students and the exceptional mentorship of the faculty.
While highlighting the progress within the Department, the Dean commended the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, whose administration, has continued to strengthen the Department of Optometry and Visual Science through improved infrastructure, enhanced learning environments, and dedicated staff.
