2nd Convocation: Ejigbo College of Health Technology Inducts Community Health Graduands

…As Govts urged to invest in Community Health

The Registrar/CEO of the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN), Dr. Bashir Idris, has urged governments at all levels to prioritize community health programmes for the benefit of the masses.

He made the call on Wednesday, during the 2nd Convocation Ceremony and 1st Community Health Induction at the College of Health Technology in Ejigbo, Osun State.

Dr. Idris who was representated by Hammed Aliu stated that such programmes will enhance the absorption, retention, and optimal utilization of community health practitioners, aligning with workforce planning and universal health coverage goals.

He urged the inductees to commit themselves to professional integrity, competence, and service to humanity.

He hinted that investment in community health practitioners is an investment in national productivity, security, and social collision.

According to him, “Ethics is not an abstract concept: it is lived daily in confidentiality, respectful core, non-discrimination, and fidelity to scope of practice. Competence is sustained through lifelong leaming evidence-based practice, and adherence to national guidelines, including the National Standing Orders, Digital literacy is no longer optional: it is essential for health information management. disease surveillance. tele-support, and quality improvement.

“CHPRBN therefore calls on Federal, State, and Local Governments to prioritize the absorption, retention, and optimal utilization of community health practitioners in line with workforce planning and universal health coverage goals. Investment in community health practitioners is an investment in national productivity, security, and social collision.

“Dear inductees, wear your professional identity with humility and pride. Be ambassadors of excellence in your communities. Uphold the law that regulates your practice,” he added.

In his convocation address, Provost of the College of Health Technology in Ejigbo, Mr. Owolabi Akinrinade has urged the graduands to serve humanity with compassion, integrity and humility.

Akinrinade emphasized that education provides a certificate but character determines one’s future, saying “My dear graduands, you are entering a profession where a single word can calm fear, and a single action can save a life.”

He said”This second convocation tells a powerful story, that this institution is alive, growing, and impacting lives. Brick by brick, year by year, the College of Health Technology, Ejigbo is building not just professionals, but people of purpose.

“Dear parents and guardians, please allow me to speak directly to you. Behind every graduate stands a parent who refused to give up. Behind every certificate is a story of sacrifice. You sacrificed comfort so your children could pursue a future in health service. Some of you went lacking so your children could have enough. some worked tirelessly to pay fees Some prayed silently when challenges arose. Your labor has not been in vain. Today, your tears are tears of joy. As the wise say, “The reward for patience is always greater than the pain.” he added.

Speaking, the CEO of the College Of Health Technology Ejigbo, Alhaji Moshood Okikiola
urged newly inducted graduates to uphold professionalism and ethics in their chosen profession.

He commended the staff, regulatory bodies for their support, saying their efforts have contributed to the success of the graduands. He advised the new professionals to prioritize continuous development and respect for authority.

However, a public health researcher, Dr. Waheed Bakare emphasized the need for government to create an enabling environment for research.

Dr. Bakare said the government needs to encourage young professionals by initiating grant programmes.

He said, “The lecture focused on how graduands can strive for excellence and positively impact the public health environment. It also addressed how they can align with the vision of Universal Health Coverage, which seeks to make quality public healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of status or background. We want to see them make an impact both locally and globally”

Graduands of the College of Health Technology, Ejigbo, expressed gratitude to God and the institution’s management following their induction, describing the ceremony as the fulfillment of years of hard work and perseverance.

One of the graduands, Mathias Favour Amarachi, said the journey from 100 level was filled with challenges, sacrifices, and intense academic pressure, but thanked God and her sponsors for seeing her through.

Also speaking, Isa Bukola Fatima, a newly registered Community Health Practitioner, expressed appreciation to Almighty Allah for guiding her from the beginning of her academic journey.

She acknowledged the support of the school management and staff of the College of Health Technology, Ejigbo, noting that their constant encouragement helped students remain focused even during difficult times.