Pamo University of Medical Sciences, located in Elelenwo, Rivers State, made a significant milestone on Tuesday by becoming the first university in Rivers to train qualified radiographers. This achievement was marked by the induction of five of its graduates into the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN).Among the graduates were four female students and one male student, making Pamo University the second institution in the South-South region, following the University of Calabar, to offer a degree in the in-demand field of radiography.The newly inducted radiographers are Belema Favour Princewill, Nwanebu Favour Ikenna, Princess Chinenwo Nyemu Tamunomiebi Luke Obie, and Zion Praise Chukwudi-James. They are recognized as the pioneering cohort of their department and completed their studies within a record time of five years.During the ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor of Pamo University and former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, highlighted the university’s impact since its establishment seven years ago, emphasizing its role in cultivating competent medical professionals.He declared that Pamo University would stand out as the first in Rivers State and the second in the South-South to produce graduates in this specialized field. Dr. Odili stressed the significance of the South-South region to Nigeria’s overall development, insisting that the country could not thrive without the active participation and contributions of this region.He remarked on the South-South’s substantial contributions to the nation’s growth, despite the limited benefits experienced by its people, who are endowed with vital resources. He stated, “I firmly believe that if the South-South were to withdraw, Nigeria would face a devastating collapse. The South-South area consistently excels in maximizing Nigeria’s resources across all sectors.”In an encouraging message to the graduates, he announced that they would be guaranteed employment, saying, “I have good news for you—you will not face unemployment for a single day. With great responsibility comes higher expectations. Your success will pave the way for a changing narrative in your profession within the South-South.”Dr. Odili urged the graduates to prioritize patient care, treating each patient as their employer, as their professional lives began following the induction and convocation. He reminded them of the importance of ethical conduct in their practice, echoing the sentiments shared by Dr. Sambo during the event.Dr. Abdulrhaman Sambo, the event’s chairman, noted that the induction marked a historic moment, stating that, to date, only the University of Calabar and Pamo University offer Radiography programs in the South-South, with these graduates being the first in Rivers State.Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the Rivers State Commissioner of Health, also expressed her support, assuring the graduates of immediate internship placements at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). Represented by the Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Dr. Chizindu Alliko, she praised Pamo University for its contributions to the health sector, particularly in workforce development, and promised ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the institution.The ceremony culminated in the presentation of certificates to the newly inducted radiographers and an award for the best graduating student in radiography, which was awarded to Belema Princewill by Professor Mark Ok, the Registrar of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria.
