Villa College's Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) hosted its annual Oath-Taking and White Coat Ceremony on July 13, 2025, marking a significant milestone for its nursing and pharmacy students as they formally embark on their professional journeys. The event, held in the presence of senior college management, faculty, students, and honoured guests, underscored the solemn commitment the students are making to the healthcare profession.
The ceremony was a multi-faceted celebration of professional transition and academic achievement. It commenced with the symbolic White Coat handover to Bachelor of Pharmacy students, a tradition pioneered in the Maldives by Villa College. This rite of passage signifies the students' acceptance of the great responsibilities and trust inherent in the healthcare field.
The centerpiece of the event was the solemn oath-taking by 98 students from the Certificate IV in Nursing programmes. The oath was administered by the President of the Maldives Medical and Dental Council, Brigadier General Dr. Ali Shahid, solidifying the students' pledge to uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and patient care throughout their careers.
The event was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Minister of State for Health, Ms. Khadheeja Abdul Samad. In her address, she commended the graduates on their dedication and reminded them of the profound responsibility they now carry. She also praised Villa College for its vital role in developing skilled and compassionate professionals for the nation's health sector.
In his address, Vice-Rector of Villa College, Dr. Ali Najeeb, elaborated on the profound symbolism of the day. "The white coat is more than a uniform; it is a mantle of trust. The oath you take today is not merely a collection of words, but the moral compass that will guide your every decision," stated Dr. Najeeb. He emphasized that Villa College graduates are expected to be exemplars of professionalism, setting a benchmark for quality and ethical conduct in their respective fields.
The ceremony also served as a platform to recognize outstanding academic performance through the awarding of certificates to students on the Dean's List and recipients of the Dean's Award. Furthermore, the event marked the official inauguration of the Villa College Health Society and the appointment of its Executive Council, a move designed to foster a culture of leadership, collaboration, and student-led professional development within the faculty.
The Oath-Taking and White Coat Ceremony was a testament to Villa College's unwavering commitment to nurturing a new generation of healthcare professionals who are not only technically proficient but also deeply rooted in the principles of compassion and ethical service. The graduates now stand poised to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of the Maldivian community.