The PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Elelenwo, Rivers State, has made history as the first university in Rivers to train qualified radiographers with the induction of five graduates into the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN).
With the graduation of four females and one male in Radiography, PAMO University also became the second university in the South-South region – after the University of Calabar – to produce graduates in a highly sought after Radiography field.
The newly inducted radiographers namely Belema Favour Princewill, Nwanebu Favour Ikenna, Princess Chinenwo Nyemu Tamunomiebi Luke Obie and Zion Praise Chukwudi-James were the pioneer students of the department and graduated on record time of 5 years.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, the Pro-Chancellor of PAMO University of Medical Sciences and former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, said in seven years of its existence, PAMO University has created impact in the society, through the training of reliable medical experts.
He announced that the university would be the second in the South-South region and the first in Rivers State to produce graduates in Radiography.
Odili underscored the importance of the South-South region to Nigeria, insisting that without the participation and inclusion of the South-South region in its economic development, Nigeria would collapse.
The former Governor noted that the South-South region has meaningfully contributed to the growth of the nation, despite less benefits to the people that are blessed with the resources that have kept the country going.
He said: “I am one of those who believe that if you withdraw the South-South (region), Nigeria will collapse. Like what is said, if you go to every home, the fattest people are those who work in the kitchen. Therefore, whatever good Nigerian resources can produce in every sector, the South- South will always come out the best.”
He announced automatic employment to the new graduates, saying: “I have good news for you; you will not be unemployed for one day. To whom much is given, much is expected. He who pays the piper dictates the tune. Through your efforts, let the narrative of your profession change in the South-South,” he further said.
He charged the new graduates thus: “After your induction and convocation, your life as Radiographers begin, show the difference by ensuring that every patient that you have the opportunity to take care of, you treat that patient as your employer, because without that patient you have no work to do.
“Dr Sambo in his speech has drawn your attention to ethical conduct; don’t ever lose sight of it. Whatever you need to take off, rest assured that the management of PAMO will give you what you,” Odili advised.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Abdulrhaman Sambo, said with the induction of the new graduates, history has been made, stressing that in the entire South-South region, only University of Calabar and PAMO University offer Radiography as a course, and first set of graduands in Rivers.
On her part, the Rivers State Commissioner of Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, also assured the graduands immediate opportunity for internship at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
Represented by the Chief Medical Director of RSUTH Dr Chizindu Alliko, Dr Oreh appreciated PAMO University for its contribution in the health sector in Rivers State, especially in the area of manpower development.
Oreh assured that the ministry would continue to partner with the institution for the purpose of building manpower for the health sector.
High point of the Induction/Oath-Taking ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the newly inducted Radiographers and presentation of award to the best graduating student of Radiography – Belema Princewill – by the Registrar of Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), Prof Mark Okeji.