The Vice-Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, has expressed deep appreciation to the Niger State Contributory Health Agency (NICARE) for visiting the institution to condole with management over recent losses suffered.

Professor Sulaiman noted that true friendship is tested during times of grief, adding that NICARE’s gesture has reinforced its standing as a valued partner to the University.

“You are the only organization that has come physically to share in our grief. We are truly grateful and look forward to strengthening our partnership for the benefit of staff and students,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged that the University recently experienced an unfortunate incident which led to the temporary suspension of academic activities. He stressed that such occurrences are not peculiar to IBBUL but are common in higher institutions, particularly in developing nations where diverse student backgrounds converge.

“We have put the incident behind us, resumed full academic activities, and pray this will be the last of such in the foreseeable future,” he added.

Professor Sulaiman also mourned the passing of the University’s Pro-Chancellor’s wife, describing her as a humble and accommodating figure who was loved by her family and community.

He prayed for the repose of her soul and those of other departed members of the University.

In his remarks, NICARE’s Director of Operations, Pharmacist Attahiru Shehu Malagi, said the delegation was sent by the Executive Secretary of the Niger State Contributory Health Agency to personally convey condolences and reaffirm solidarity with the University.

He explained that the visit was deliberately delayed to allow tensions to settle following the recent campus unrest and closure.

“When the incident happened, the environment was tense and potentially unsafe for a condolence visit. However, we felt it was important to be here once the situation improved, to show that NICARE is a partner in both good and difficult times,” he stated.

Pharmacist Attahiru stressed that the Agency’s partnership with IBBUL extends beyond providing healthcare services to students and staff, to fostering a sense of community support.

“In life, loss is inevitable, but so is the duty to stand by one another. We pray that Allah will forgive the departed, comfort their families, and give the University the resilience to continue its academic mission,” he added.

He also reaffirmed NICARE’s commitment to working closely with the University’s Third-Party Administrator (TPA) to ensure quality and accessible healthcare for all students and staff, saying the collaboration would be further strengthened in the coming months.

In his closing remarks, the Registrar and Secretary to the University Council, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed profound appreciation for the visit, noting that NICARE was the first partner to physically come to Lapai to condole with the University.

“This is not just a routine courtesy call; it is a true demonstration of empathy and partnership. You came all the way from your base to be with us during a painful period, and that means a lot to the Management, staff, and students of IBBUL,” he said.

Alhaji Kusherki urged the NICARE delegation to extend the University’s gratitude to the agency’s Executive Secretary and reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to maintaining a strong working relationship with the health agency.

“We value this partnership, and today’s visit has strengthened it even further. We wish you a safe journey back and look forward to more fruitful engagements,” he concluded.