By Our Correspondent
National News – The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has cautioned medical practitioners across the country that practising without full registration is a criminal offence and attracts strict disciplinary action.
The warning was delivered during an induction and oath-taking ceremony for new doctors at Gregory University, Uturu, where officials stressed compliance with professional standards.
The council emphasized that provisional registration without proper conversion to full certification exposes doctors to sanctions, suspension, or removal from the medical register, reinforcing the importance of ethical medical practice and patient safety nationwide.
The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Prof. Fatima Kyari, speaking through the Head of Department of Medical Registration, Dr. Tijjani Mandaka, issued the warning on Friday during an extended induction and oath-taking ceremony held at Gregory University, Uturu in Abia State.
The event saw 35 newly inducted medical doctors sworn in, marking their entry into professional practice.
Kyari stressed that doctors who continue to practise without obtaining full registration certificates after provisional registration expire are committing a criminal offence.
She explained that such breaches are subject to investigation, disciplinary hearings, and sanctions by the council.
The council, which regulates medical practice in Nigeria, warned that offenders could face penalties ranging from admonition and suspension to permanent removal from the medical register, a decision that is also communicated internationally to prevent defaulters from practising abroad.
The MDCN reiterated that the aim of the regulation is to protect patients, uphold professional integrity, and ensure that only qualified and fully certified doctors provide medical care.
Founder of Gregory University, Prof. Gregory Ibe, also urged the inductees to remember that behind every diagnosis is a human life that deserves compassion, urging them to balance science with humanity in their practice.
The council concluded that medical practice remains highly regulated, and all practitioners are being closely monitored to maintain ethical standards and safeguard public health across Nigeria.
Officials urged continuous compliance with licensing requirements to strengthen trust in the healthcare system nationwide.
