The Management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, has secured the approval of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to admit its 300-level medical students for clinical studies. A development expected to ensure the continuity of the students’ academic and professional training.
The approval was granted following a courtesy and collaboration visit by a delegation from IBB University 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.
The purpose of the visit was to seek a collaborative arrangement that would enable the University’s 300-level Medical students to continue their clinical studies at ABU Zaria Teaching Hospital, Shika while IBB University works towards meeting the outstanding requirements for the accreditation of its Medical programme.
Speaking during the meeting, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of IBB University, Professor Salihu Mohammed Niworu, explained that the request became necessary in order to prevent distruptions in the academic progression of the affected students.
He noted that the Niger State Government is making substantial investments in the provision of equipment, teaching facilities, and other infrastructure required for the University’s Teaching Hospital, in line with the standards set by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
According to him, the temporary arrangement with ABU Zaria will ensure that the students continue their medical training uninterrupted while efforts are intensified to secure full accreditation for the programme.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Adamu Ahmed, welcomed the delegation and expressed the Institution’s readiness to support academic cooperation among Nigerian universities.
He announced that ABU had approved the request to absorb the affected students for their clinical studies.
Professor Ahmed, however, noted that certain grey areas relating to the regulations and guidelines of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria would require further consultations between both Institutions to ensure that the arrangement fully complies with all regulatory requirements governing medical education in the country.
As part of the follow-up actions, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, IBB University, Professor A.A Aliyu, and the Provost College of Medical Sciences, ABU, Zaria are expected to engage further with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to work out the modalities and obtain the necessary regulatory guidance on the implementation of the arrangement.
The IBB University delegation expressed appreciation to the Management of Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria for its positive response and commitment to supporting human capital development.
The ABU team in the meeting included 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.
The University authorities remain optimistic that ongoing interventions by the Niger State Government will enable the institution to satisfy the Council’s conditions and secure full accreditation in the near future.