It was a great moment of jubilation on Thursday as the Professional Association of Practicing Clinical Physiologists in Nigeria (PAPCPN) inducted 164 graduands of Human Physiology from the University of Cross River State into the professional body.
The induction ceremony, held at the Okuku campus of the university, attracted medical doctors, physiologists, and other healthcare professionals from across the state and Nigeria.
In his address, the President of PAPCPN, Okeke Ugochukwu Ifeanyi, commended the inductees on their achievement. He noted that many hospitals are seeking clinical physiologists but are unaware of their availability because the profession has yet to fully establish its rightful place of prominence.
He urged the inductees to prepare themselves so healthcare institutions will actively seek their expertise, emphasizing the need for proficiency. “You must have the skills and knowledge to practice effectively. Most hospitals do not yet understand what you can offer, but you possess those essential qualities. As clinical physiologists, strive to specialize and make a meaningful impact in healthcare delivery. Seek out all the knowledge necessary for your practice,” he said.
According to him, the induction marks a significant milestone in both the academic and professional journeys of the inductees towards successful practice. He encouraged them to continue seeking knowledge, reminding them that induction is not an end but the beginning of a new phase of learning in the field.
“You are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. Becoming a fully certified clinical physiologist requires further professional training, certification, and hands-on experience. PAPCPN will guide and support you throughout this process,” he added.
He highlighted the critical role clinical physiologists play in the medical field, bridging the gap between fundamental physiological science and clinical applications.
“Whether in cardiology, neurology, respiratory medicine, or renal physiology, your expertise contributes to diagnostics, patient care, and research. Nigeria’s healthcare system needs well-trained professionals like you to innovate, advocate, and elevate medical physiology standards,” he stated.
He commended the Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Cross River State for nurturing the inductees.
Administering the induction oath, the Provost of PAPCPN, Comrade Roy Uchefuna C., from the Department of Physiology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi campus, emphasized that only graduates of Human Physiology are eligible for induction into the association.
“If it is later discovered that any inducted member is not a graduate of Human Physiology, their induction shall be revoked,” he warned.
He described PAPCPN as a registered health professional body dedicated to uniting, promoting, and representing the interests of clinical physiologists in Nigeria.
He urged inductees to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and discipline wherever they practice.
“Our goal is to unite all certified physiologists and foster the standards of clinical physiology in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr. Nwoke Ernest Onyebuchi, Liaison Officer for Edo State of the West African College of Clinical Physiology Sciences (WACCPS), delivered the keynote address. He described physiologists as the foundation of the healthcare sector worldwide.
“We are proud of this induction at this university. As a medical doctor, I believe in clinical physiology; you are the engine room of medical care. There is a need to professionalize this field, as physiology has often been overlooked in Nigeria. Medical doctors have been overworking themselves by taking on roles that belong to physiologists in medical treatment,” he explained.
He said this induction marks the end of the marginalization of physiologists. He urged inductees to continually seek further knowledge so hospitals will actively seek their expertise.
He emphasized the gap left in the Nigerian medical sector by the absence of clinical physiology, noting that many doctors lack the competence to adequately assess health status.
“Every hospital needs physiologists because they examine and declare a person’s health status,” he said.
Dr. Nwoke encouraged the inductees to pursue knowledge and skills to become revered authorities, urging them to dedicate the next five years to intensive learning and professional development.
Dr. Udon Gabriel, Head of the Department of Human Physiology at the university, expressed his joy at overseeing the first induction during his tenure.
“This is the first of its kind and sets a precedent for future achievements in the department. The department has made a significant impact by preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. I congratulate and celebrate their wonderful achievement,” he said.
He advised the inductees to leverage the relationships they built during their university years and to uphold the ethics of the profession.
“Strive to distinguish yourselves as physiologists wherever you practice. I am very happy that under my leadership, graduates of Human Physiology are being inducted into this professional body. This induction is a significant step in the right direction. It has changed the mindset of physiology graduates and spurred them to recognize their rightful place in the healthcare sector, which will motivate them to grow and succeed,” he added.
Dr. Gabriel also commended PAPCPN for providing the inductees with a platform to showcase their talents and urged the association to continue supporting this initiative.
“Before now, students were confused about their future in the country, but today they understand their role in the health sector,” he said.
He encouraged the new inductees to use this induction as a springboard to further develop their skills in physiology.
Dr. Aniekan Essien of the West African College of Clinical Physiology Sciences, who spoke virtually, described the induction as a dream come true. He honored the university, its dean, and the head of department for making the event a reality and urged the inductees to enter the profession with the hope of gaining more practical training and knowledge.
Dr. Ujong Peter, Dean of Medical Sciences and Head of Okuku Campus, described the event as an epoch-making moment—the first of its kind at the university.
“We have three departments in the faculty, but Physiology is the first to induct its students. This shows that the institution is growing. When professionals come to induct graduands, it indicates progress. It is an honor that Physiology has taken its rightful place in the country,” he said.
He encouraged physiologists to embrace their roles in clinical practice to make a meaningful impact on society.
“This association’s purpose is not to compete with others but to create a strong impact in healthcare delivery. Physicians should respect physiologists and allow them to perform their roles,” he added.
Prof. Atamgba Asuk, one of the guest speakers, commended the faculty and department for the milestone of inducting graduates. He also praised PAPCPN for the initiative.
“Today, the graduands join a profession that contributes to national development. Physiology is the foundation of medical science and is crucial in healthcare services. It provides the baseline for diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, physiology has often been relegated to the background. Your induction today brings you closer to the position you deserve. Physiologists should be at the forefront in hospitals, not just in teaching,” he said.
He urged inductees to specialize and make the most of the opportunities opened by PAPCPN.
“Conduct yourselves professionally, adhere to the ethics of the profession, and remember that you can even teach some of us in clinical practice. This is the promise clinical practice holds for modern physiology,” he added.
Dr. Mrs. Victoria Okon Imoh, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee from the University of Cross River State, commended the Vice Chancellor, dean, faculty staff, and students for the induction. She described the event as one of the greatest milestones for physiologists in Nigeria.
She praised the inductees and PAPCPN for professionalizing the discipline of Physiology in the country and encouraged the inductees to leverage this induction to build themselves and make meaningful societal contributions.
One of the inductees, Mrs. Osha Cecelia, expressed boundless joy. “I feel very happy and excited to be inducted. I commend PAPCPN for this wonderful initiative that gives us a sense of belonging and direction in the medical field. I am grateful for this induction. It will inspire many others to pursue physiology knowing it is now a recognized profession,” she said.
Nwabuike Emmanuel, another inductee currently undergoing practical training, described the induction as an eye-opener.
“This is a great and important step that every Human Physiology graduate should embrace. It is an opportunity that every physiologist must pursue further through training,” he added.
He thanked PAPCPN for organizing the event, calling it a welcome development.
