Bayero University, Kano, on Monday, 1st December 2025, held its 4th induction ceremony for graduates of the Doctor of Optometry programme from the Department of Optometry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, officially welcoming 55 new Doctors of Optometry into the profession.
Administering the oath of allegiance, the Registrar of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), Dr. Obinna Edwin Awiaka, charged the inductees to uphold professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties. He noted that optometry has become increasingly crucial in addressing emerging global eye-health challenges, warning that research projects that by 2050 nearly half of the world’s population may be myopic due to the rising use of mobile phones and computers across all age groups. He stressed the need for more specialised centres and hospitals to address growing eye-health demands.
In his remarks, the Chief Host and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, fsi, highlighted the vital role optometrists play in promoting eye health, preventing vision impairment and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians. He expressed profound appreciation to ODORBN for its relentless commitment to regulating the profession and ensuring high standards of training. Professor Musa encouraged the new Doctors to be innovative, technology-driven, and committed to excellence in their practice.
The Chairman of the occasion, the Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Professor Abdulrahman Abba Shehe, represented by the CMAC, Professor Suwaid Abba Mohammed, urged the graduates to resist the temptation of seeking greener pastures abroad. He noted that the Nigerian government and institutions had invested significantly in their training and appealed to them to remain in the country and contribute their expertise to national development.
Provost, College of Health Sciences, Professor Idris Mohammed Yahaya, described the induction as a major milestone, noting that Bayero University remains the pioneer institution in Northern Nigeria to run a Doctor of Optometry programme. Similarly, the Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Professor Saleh Ngaski Garba, commended the University Management for its unwavering support, which has ensured quality training and modern facilities for the programme.
Head of the Department of Optometry, Dr. Barbie Ejukonemu, expressed pride and joy at the graduation of the 4th cohort for the 2023/2024 academic session, describing the moment as fulfilling for the department.
The ceremony also celebrated excellence, with Dr. Yusuf Ademola Adesina emerging as the overall best graduating student.
