Zaria: The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria has announced that the Federal Government has approved a special intervention of N4 billion for upgrading facilities in its College of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Dentistry. Prof. Adamu Ahmed, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, revealed this during an induction ceremony for 81 newly qualified doctors in Zaria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Ahmed, represented by Prof. Raymond Bako, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, stated that the intervention aims to increase the university’s capacity in medical training programs. The university is considering expanding the capacity of its Medical School to admit more students, as it currently faces challenges accommodating its large pool of applicants. Prof. Ahmed noted that while over 3,000 students applied for the MBBS program, the university’s admission quota remains at 180.
Prof. Ahmed congratulated the new inductees and expressed optimism that ABU will continue to graduate more medical doctors in the coming years. In support, Prof. Hamidu-Ahmed Umdagas, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), congratulated the graduates and assured them of the hospital’s continued support in their clinical training. He also urged the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to reserve housemanship slots for all ABU graduates, with ABUTH ready to accommodate nearly half of the new doctors in its 160 placements.
The CMD emphasized the importance of the compulsory one-year housemanship as a vital stage for supervised practice before full professional independence. Similarly, Prof. Kabir Bala, the Chairman of the occasion and former Vice-Chancellor of ABU, advised the new doctors to uphold medical ethics, pursue continuous learning, and serve humanity diligently. He highlighted the need for empathy, critical thinking, and innovation in the medical field.
Prof. Mohammed Shehu, the Provost of the College, commended the graduates and shared plans to expand student intake from 120 to about 180 with anticipated ministerial support. He explained that the new doctors would undergo housemanship to gain practical experience in major medical specialties, under the supervision of the MDCN. Prof. Shehu emphasized the importance of adhering to the Code of Medical Ethics, which demands humility, honesty, and respect for patients.
The event concluded with the administration of the ‘Sponsio Academica Oath’, reaffirming the graduates’ commitment to patient care, confidentiality, and professional conduct. Prof. Shehu urged the graduates to give back to their families, guardians, and alma mater while upholding the dignity and standards of the medical profession.