Dozens of medical graduates from the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ilorin are yet to be inducted into the medical profession due to limitations tied to the institution's approved induction quota.

At least 44 affected graduates have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to voice frustration over the delay in their induction by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), describing the personal and professional setbacks caused by the situation.

One user, KamalJims, lamented the prolonged process, noting that many students spent eight years completing what is designed as a six-year MBBS programme and are still awaiting induction to obtain their practicing licenses. Another user, Dekkey Olaoye, questioned why the university admitted students beyond its approved quota, arguing that the institution was aware of its induction limit before enrollment.

The issue also drew public attention after concerns from a parent were shared by Arise Television journalist, Rufai Oseni. The parent stated that the 44 graduates completed their MBBS training between August and September and were expected to join the first batch inducted on November 14. However, more than two months later, no timeline has been communicated regarding their induction. The parent warned that rumours suggest the affected graduates may have to wait until the next induction cycle, potentially about 10 months away, despite the country's pressing healthcare workforce needs.

Responding to the concerns, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Biodun Suleiman Alabi, explained that the delay stems from the university's approved quota. According to him, 194 students sat for the final MBBS examinations, with 175 passing outright and 19 requiring resits.

Prof. Alabi stated that while the university sought induction approval for all successful candidates, MDCN maintained that only 150 students the institution's approved quota could be inducted. The top 150 students were subsequently inducted in November.

He noted that although the Federal Government had announced plans to double medical student quotas nationwide, the policy has yet to be implemented. The remaining 25 graduates who passed, alongside the 19 who completed resits, are expected to be inducted at a later date.

The provost added that the university has repeatedly engaged MDCN to seek approval for the outstanding inductions but without success so far. He dismissed social media claims that the affected graduates would automatically merge with the next batch, urging patience from parents and students.

Prof. Alabi also disclosed that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), has initiated steps to invite MDCN for reaccreditation of the medical programme, a process that could potentially increase the institution's induction quota.

An MDCN official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the council cannot induct students beyond approved institutional quotas, emphasizing that the council is bound by regulatory limits.

The situation highlights the broader challenges facing Nigeria's healthcare education system, as quota constraints continue to impact the timely entry of qualified medical graduates into a sector already grappling with manpower shortages.