By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
No fewer than 55 graduates of Environmental Health Science from the Osun State College of Health Technology (OSCO-HEALTH), Ilesa, have been inducted into the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON).
Speaking at the induction ceremony held on Thursday, the Provost of the College, Dr. Lateef Olarewaju Raheem, charged the newly inducted sanitarians to uphold the ethics and oath of their profession, stressing that both the government and the public depend on them to safeguard human health and the environment.
Represented by the College Registrar, Mr. Moshood Afolabi, the Provost urged the inductees to see themselves not only as enforcers of environmental health regulations but also as educators who must promote public awareness on health and sanitation issues.
He described the induction as the beginning of greater opportunities and encouraged the graduates to pursue higher academic and professional qualifications in order to remain relevant and updated in the ever-evolving health technology sector.
In his address, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, Dr. Yakubu Muhammad Baba, congratulated the new sanitarians on joining a profession dedicated to protecting lives and promoting public health.
Represented by the Council’s Director of Registration and Licensing, Sanitarian Bola Ibrahim, Baba reminded the inductees that environmental health practitioners are often remembered not for crises they respond to, but for the health emergencies they successfully prevent.
“The certificate you receive today is evidence of your academic achievement. However, your reputation in the profession will be determined by your competence, character, and commitment to service,” he said.
He urged the graduates to contribute actively to public health programmes, engage in professional activities, and demonstrate the value of environmental health practice through measurable impact in their communities.
The EHCON Registrar also emphasized the importance of maintaining valid practising licences.
“Professional registration is not a one-time event. Your licence to practise is the legal instrument that authorises you to operate as an Environmental Health Professional in Nigeria. I therefore urge you to cultivate the habit of renewing your practising licences promptly as and when due,” he added.
In a goodwill message, the Director of the School of Environmental Health Sciences, OSCO-HEALTH, Sanitarian Bamidele Adebayor, congratulated the inductees for their resilience, dedication and commitment throughout their academic journey.
Also speaking, the Head of the Environmental Health Department, Sanitarian Adebare Musibau, expressed appreciation to the college management for its continued support towards the growth and development of the department.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony, one of the inductees, Sanitarian Akinfenwa Goodnews Oluwapelumi, pledged to uphold the ethics and standards of the profession at all times.
She expressed gratitude to her parents for their sacrifices and unwavering support throughout her studies and commended her lecturers for their guidance and mentorship.
Oluwapelumi said the training she received at the institution had equipped her with the knowledge and skills required to make meaningful contributions to environmental health practice and public health advancement.