IBBU College of Health Sciences Joins African Medical Schools Consortium as Governor Bago Reaffirms Commitment to Medical Education

By Awwal Umar Kontagora Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, has recorded a major milestone following the admiss...

By Awwal Umar Kontagora

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, has recorded a major milestone following the admission of its College of Health Sciences into the Consortium of African Medical Schools, a development that further strengthens the institution's growing reputation in medical education and research across the continent.

The official certificate of admission was presented to the Visitor to the University and Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Minna.

Governor Bago congratulated the university management on the achievement, describing the admission into the prestigious consortium as a reflection of the institution's academic excellence and commitment to quality medical education. He commended the university's leadership for maintaining high academic standards and urged them to sustain the momentum.

The Governor reaffirmed the Niger State Government's commitment to strengthening medical education, assuring the university community that all necessary measures are being taken to facilitate the commencement of clinical training at the institution.

Addressing concerns over the temporary relocation of the university's 300-level medical students to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Governor Bago said the arrangement should be seen as a strategic partnership rather than a setback, as it guarantees uninterrupted and high-quality clinical training while the state continues to develop the required infrastructure.

"The temporary relocation is part of a broader plan to ensure that our students receive the best possible clinical training. We remain resolute in our determination to establish a fully functional clinical training programme within IBB University," the Governor said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, disclosed that the university's admission into the Consortium of African Medical Schools was announced during the Conference of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine of Africa held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He said the recognition reflects the university's steady progress in medical education and its growing integration into Africa's network of leading medical institutions.

Professor Sulaiman expressed appreciation to Governor Bago for his unwavering support and visionary leadership, noting that the administration's commitment to education has been instrumental in the university's recent achievements.

According to him, the support of the state government made it possible for the university to establish a productive partnership with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, thereby ensuring the uninterrupted training of its medical students.

The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders, development partners, staff, students and well-wishers for their continued support, encouragement and prayers, which he said have contributed significantly to the university's progress.

The admission of IBBU's College of Health Sciences into the Consortium of African Medical Schools marks another significant step in the university's quest to become a centre of excellence in medical education and reinforces the Niger State Government's vision of building a globally competitive healthcare workforce through sustained investment in higher education.