The College held the maiden Graduation ceremony for the Award of Diploma in Family Medicine to the pioneer sets of Diplomates in the Faculty on Thursday September 10, 2015 at the College Premises. 367 general medical practitioners were awarded the Diploma after undergoing an 18-month part-time training to fulfil the requirements laid down by Senate and attaining the appropriate level of proficiency for independent general duty medical practice.
Speaking at the event, College President, Prof. Rasheed Arogundade, FMCR, PNMC while emphasising the mandate of the College noted that the need for the Diploma programme arose as it is almost impossible for all doctors desirous of further training to enrol in the formal residency training programmes for specialist status by obtaining the Fellowship.
According to him, the Diploma in Family Medicine is designed to meet the need of general medical practitioners, who are the first line of medical contact with the Nigerian population.
Prof Arogundade also expressed optimism that the Diploma programme will no doubt improve the level and quality of healthcare delivery in the country.