By Idris Umar, Zaria Dr. A'isha Mustapha has been elected Chairperson of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna Stat...
Dr. A'isha Mustapha has been elected Chairperson of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna State Branch, following the association's election held last week.
A consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr. Mustapha is widely recognised for her dedication, professionalism, and outstanding contributions to the healthcare sector. Before her election, she received several prestigious awards and recognitions, including an honour presented by Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during the launch of the PECCIN 2025 programme.
She also received the Certificate of Excellence in Peer Reviewing from Global Academy Publisher in 2024 and the Impact Award 2023 from the Ovarian Cancer Coalition (Every Woman Study).
Dr. Mustapha has built an impressive academic record throughout her career. In 2015, she emerged as the best-performing candidate in the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) Part I examination in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She also won the Best Teacher Award from medical students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2016, 2017, and another year yet to be confirmed.
Earlier, she graduated as the overall best student in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2008. She had also distinguished herself as the Overall Best Student in the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations while attending Federal Government College, Kano.
Speaking on her agenda as the new chairperson, Dr. Mustapha said her administration would prioritise the protection of doctors' rights, full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), improved welfare for medical practitioners, mental health support, expanded health insurance coverage, reasonable working hours, legal protection for doctors, and greater opportunities for professional training and career development.
In an interview with our correspondent, she said her decision to contest the election was driven by a desire to serve members of the association and ensure fairness, justice, and equal treatment for all, irrespective of background.
Dr. Mustapha, a native of Kano State, attended primary school in Hotoro before proceeding to Federal Government College, Kano. She gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, at the age of about 16 or 17 to study Medicine.
She currently resides in Zaria, is married, and is blessed with three children. She began her medical career at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika, where she continues to serve. She has also participated in several professional training programmes and academic engagements in different countries.
Before her election as NMA Kaduna chairperson, Dr. Mustapha served as Chairperson of the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Kaduna State Branch, and later as Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, Kaduna State Branch.
Expressing appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in her, she pledged to provide transparent, accountable, and inclusive leadership while safeguarding the rights and welfare of doctors across the state.
She called on members to remain united and work collectively towards strengthening the association and improving healthcare delivery in Kaduna State.
Addressing concerns about leading a diverse association with members from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, Dr. Mustapha emphasised that the NMA is a professional body composed of educated and responsible individuals. She assured members that her leadership would be guided by fairness, merit, and professionalism, without favouritism or discrimination.
In her closing remarks, she encouraged members to contribute ideas that would move the association forward. She also expressed gratitude to her husband, family, colleagues, supporters, and everyone who contributed to her successful election.
She concluded by praying for sustained peace, progress, and prosperity in Kaduna State and Nigeria.
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