Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) Inducts 32 new set of Doctors of Optometry (OD)

The Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) has inducted a
new set of Doctors of Optometry (OD) in her 23rd
Induction ceremony of the 2016/2017 batch.
In his opening remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor E.
Uche Ikonne, thanked the Executive Governor, and visitor
to the University, Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD, for his listening
ears and support, which made the accreditation of its
programmes possible.

According to him, the University has approval to run
new Departments of Engineering, Public Health, and
others, because the Governor, is a research oriented
scholar whose academic passion, is not deterred by the
responsibilities and challenges of his office.

He maintained that the department of Optometry is a
pacesetter in the University, being the first to build a
lecture hall for itself, by self efforts of staff and
students, as well as first, to organize an academic
programme, that makes it possible for one to be a
Professor and a consultant at the same time.
He said, “The pedestal we have set is high, and we can’t
go low”, stating, he feels fulfilled having nurtured a
department whose products are making waves all over
the world.

Presenting her address, the Head of Department of
Optometry, Professor (Mrs.) O.U. Amaechi, while
thanking the Vice-Chancellor noted that the day marks
another milestone in the lives of the inductees, and
prayed the good lord that brought them this far, to open
new vistas in their lives

She charged them to always strive for Excellence and
Service, for which the University is known, and be good
ambassadors of their Alma-mata.
In their separate Remarks, the Provost, College of
Medicine and Health Sciences, Professor Christian Aluka,
the Dean Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor O.C.
Ahuama, and the President Nigerian Optometric
Association, Dr Damian Echendu, challenged the new
Doctors of Optometry, to abide by the oath of the
profession and make honesty, Sincerity, and Uprightness
their guiding principles.

While administering the oath to the inductees, the
Registrar, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians
Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN) Professor (Mrs.)
E. B Uzodike, who is also an Alumnus of the University
stated that ABSU is blessed to have Professor Uche
Ikonne, who is a great planner and achiever as the Vice-
Chancellor, appreciating the University management, the
lecturers, staff, and parents of the graduates for all their
efforts and sacrifices, to ensure a successful completion
of the course by the inductees.

She advised the new (ODS’) to make the guidelines
given to them their bible during their internship, and
ensure they do not follow anybody for vision screening
within the period except with permission, stressing that
any report of misconduct will mean the intern will repeat
his/her internship.

The high point of the occasion was the oath taking
ceremony, and presentation of certificates to the
inductees, special presentation to the Best Graduating
Student (2016/2017) Dr Nnamdi E. Okore and the Best
Clinical Student, Dr Chidinma U. Jibueze, as well as the
Honors awards to others.

The Registrar’s (ODORBN) award for the best graduating
student still went to Dr. Nnamdi E. Okore, while the
Vice-Chancellor’s award for the best Clinical student
was given to Dr. Chidinma Jibueze.