The management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, has secured approval from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to admit its 300-level medical students for clinical studies, ensuring the continuity of their academic and professional training.
The approval followed a courtesy and collaboration visit by an IBB University delegation led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Suleiman, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Salihu Mohammed Niworu, and the Registrar, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki.
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The visit was aimed at seeking a collaborative arrangement that would enable the university’s 300-level medical students to continue their clinical studies at the ABU Teaching Hospital, Shika, while IBB University works towards meeting outstanding requirements for the accreditation of its medical programme.
Speaking during the meeting, Professor Niworu explained that the request became necessary to prevent disruptions to the academic progression of the affected students.
He noted that the Niger State Government is making significant investments in medical equipment, teaching facilities, and other critical infrastructure required for the university’s teaching hospital in line with standards prescribed by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
According to him, the temporary arrangement with ABU will ensure uninterrupted medical training for the students while efforts continue to secure full accreditation for the programme.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering academic cooperation among Nigerian universities.
Professor Ahmed announced that ABU had approved the request to absorb the affected students for their clinical studies.
He, however, noted that certain regulatory issues relating to MDCN guidelines would require further consultations between both institutions to ensure full compliance with the requirements governing medical education in Nigeria.
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As part of the next steps, 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 develop implementation modalities and obtain the necessary regulatory guidance.
The IBB University delegation expressed appreciation to the management of ABU for its positive response and willingness to support human capital development through academic collaboration.
The ABU delegation at the meeting included the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Registrar, Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, and the 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 necessary 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 in the near future.