The Management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBB University), Lapai, has secured approval from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to admit its 300-level medical students for clinical studies. This development will ensure the continuity of the students’ academic and professional training.
The approval followed a courtesy and collaboration visit by a delegation from IBB University led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Salihu Mohammed Niworu, and Registrar, Idris Saleh Kusherki. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman, was represented by the delegation.
The purpose of the visit was to establish a collaborative arrangement that would allow IBB University’s 300-level medical students to continue their clinical studies at the ABU Teaching Hospital, Shika, while the institution works to meet the outstanding requirements for full accreditation of its medical programme.
Speaking during the meeting, Professor Salihu Mohammed Niworu explained that the arrangement was necessary to prevent disruptions in the academic progression of the affected students.
He noted that the Niger State Government is making substantial investments in equipment, teaching facilities and other infrastructure for the university’s Teaching Hospital in line with standards set by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The temporary arrangement with ABU Zaria will ensure the students continue their medical training without interruption while efforts are intensified to secure full accreditation.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, welcomed the delegation and expressed ABU’s readiness to support academic cooperation among Nigerian universities. He announced that ABU had approved the request to absorb the students for their clinical studies.
Professor Ahmed, however, noted that certain grey areas relating to Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria regulations would require further consultations between both institutions to ensure full compliance.
As follow-up, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, IBB University, Professor A.A. Aliyu, and the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, ABU Zaria, are expected to engage with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to finalise modalities and obtain necessary regulatory guidance.
The IBB University delegation expressed appreciation to the management of Ahmadu Bello University for its positive response and commitment to supporting human capital development.
The ABU team at the meeting included the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Registrar, Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, and Director of Academic Planning.
It will be recalled that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria had earlier granted IBB University a six-month period to address specific requirements for the accreditation of its medical programme.
University authorities remain optimistic that ongoing interventions by the Niger State Government will enable the institution to meet the Council’s conditions and secure full accreditation soon.
