By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Lira University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng has encouraged students pursuing Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery to avoid wasting time and rather be committed to graduate after the 5 years’ period.
Addressing the students during the orientation programme at the Education Block on 11th October, 2023, Prof. Ogwal Okeng said some students relax thinking 5 years is much, when actually it is not.
“Medical training is laboratory based, be devoted and avoid time wasters for you to make a good doctor tomorrow,” Prof. Ogwal Okeng advised.
He revealed that the University is more than prepared and ready to train medical and other science students with all labs fully functional, equipped to foster practical teaching and learning processes. “When you come to train as a Doctor, you are actually joining the Medical doctors world, to save life,….you have not come to joke. You have to forego of non-essential things and give this training more attention,” the VC asserts.
Prof. Ogwal Okeng adds that the major role of health workers is lifesaving, the reason they take longer period in school training and being equipped with practical skills and experiences. “We have experienced doctors at the Teaching Hospital to impart knowledge and train you on the best skills of handling patients, just get ready and be available to learn,” he reveals.
Prof. Ogwal Okeng noted that the quality healthcare is dependent upon the healthcare facilities in a country and medical officers play an invaluable role in the function of hospitals and the overall quality of the healthcare system.
The University Secretary, Mr. Oyang Atubo Augustine, encouraged the students to be honest, creative and innovative and avoid bad friends. “Be focused, respectful to your lecturers, colleague students and committed for you to graduate after 5 years,” Mr. Atubo advises.
Ms Emma Okite, the University’s Dean of Students, advised students to be security alert and report elements of insecurity to responsible authorities. “Your education here is your priority. Dean of Students office takes care of students’ welfare, among others, we work hard to ensure that nothing threatens students well-being and studies while at Campus. We work as a team with all stakeholders including security teams,” Okite asserts.
Among other key staff present were the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Assoc. Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum, Academic Registrar, Geoffrey Angela, Dean Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Otim Tom and Director Clinical Services, Teaching Hospital, Dr. Okello Tom Richard.
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