Professionalism, ethical values sustain careers — OAU Don

Professor Adesola Ojoawo of the Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has said professionalism and ethical values are essential to achieving success in life and sustaining a career.

Prof Ojoawo made this known during the fourth induction ceremony at Redeemer’s University, Ede, on Wednesday.

Speaking on the theme, “Professionalism and Ethical Conduct in Physiotherapy,” Ojoawo, a professor of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, identified competence as one of the core elements of professionalism.

He urged the new physiotherapists to commit themselves to continuous learning and self-development throughout their careers.

According to him, “professional behaviour could either open or close doors,” stressing the importance of maintaining conduct that would earn the trust and respect of colleagues, patients and the wider society.

Ojoawo also highlighted the importance of aptitude and attitude, noting that certificates, training and intelligence were forms of aptitude, while attitude remained critical to sustaining employment and professional relationships.

He advised the inductees to remain humble, seek mentors and learn from experienced professionals.

He encouraged them to “ride on the shoulders of giants by benefiting from the knowledge and experience of those who had gone before them.”

The professor stressed the need for ethical behaviour and adherence to professional standards, noting that every action had consequences and that professionals must understand the price attached to their decisions.

He also identified reliability and punctuality as important attributes, while urging the inductees to uphold respect and civility in their interactions with patients, colleagues and other professionals.

In his welcome address, the Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, Professor Rufus Adedoyin, described the occasion as a special day of celebration for the department as it welcomed another set of physiotherapists into the profession.

Adedoyin said the department had the facilities required to run the physiotherapy programme and provide appropriate training for students, charging the inductees to become good ambassadors of the university and the profession.

“You must be able to solve problems and contribute meaningfully to humanity. The ceremony as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives,” he said.

The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Dr Omotoso, expressed gratitude to God and urged the inductees not to forget their training and professional ethics as they commenced their working lives.

The Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Professor Shadrach Akindele, represented by Professor Chiagoziem Otuechere, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, charged the inductees to strive for excellence and uphold professionalism in their careers.

“Behind every successful inductee is a story of sacrifice. I appreciate your confidence, commitment and aspiration to this profession. I pray you reap the fruit of your labour,” he said.

He also expressed the university’s appreciation for the contributions of academic staff in the department.

The Registrar of the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria, Professor Ahmad Rufai, also addressed the gathering as 89 graduates formally joined the physiotherapy profession, marking the completion of their academic training and transition into professional practice.

Professionalism, ethical values sustain careers — OAU Don