103 Nigerian Dentists Inducted as International Fellows

A significant milestone was achieved in Nigeria's dental community as 103 Nigerian dental professionals were inducted as Fellows of the International College of Dentists (ICD). The prestigious ceremony took place at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo State on Tuesday.

The induction, overseen by the ICD's West Africa Sub-region Regent, Prof. Gbemisola Oke, was a highlight of the 50th anniversary and alumni reunion of the UNIBEN School of Dentistry. This fellowship is awarded to dentists who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their profession and their communities, signifying a high level of achievement and dedication.

Among those inducted were prominent figures in the dental field, including the President of the Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Elias Emedom, alongside Professors Matthew Sede, Ese Anibor, and Mercy Okoh, as well as Drs. Benneth Uwakwem, Adesina Ayodele, Chris Eyikor, Ejiro Idiga, and Adewuwa Abe. Additionally, several dignitaries were honored as honorary fellows, including the UNIBEN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), Prof. Sanni Shehu, and former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala.

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From those early beginnings, the School of Dentistry, University of Benin, has evolved into one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions for dental education, producing generations of dentists, specialists, educators, researchers, administrators and leaders who have made outstanding impact within and outside the country.

During the event, UNIBEN VC Prof. Omoregie emphasized the School of Dentistry's success in fulfilling its vision of producing highly skilled dental personnel. He lauded the institution as one of Nigeria's leading dental education centers, responsible for training numerous dentists, specialists, educators, and leaders who have made substantial impacts both domestically and internationally. The university management pledged continued support to ensure the school's graduates remain competitive in dental care delivery.

Prof. Joan Enabulele, Dean of the School of Dentistry, echoed this sentiment, stating that the school had met its 50-year vision of advancing oral healthcare in Nigeria and beyond. She also outlined future aspirations, including the construction of a new, purpose-built clinical dentistry complex designed to enhance research, innovation, and patient care, aiming to establish a new center of excellence.

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A facility that will double our current clinical space, laboratory space, and office space. A centre of excellence where innovation, research, and patient care will take place. This is the legacy we must build.