A 27-year-old medical graduate, Dr Maimunat Suleiman, has emerged as the overall best graduating student as Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) inducted 122 newly qualified medical doctors on Monday.
Dr Maimunat, an indigene of Kogi State, excelled academically and received multiple cash prizes at the ceremony in recognition of her exceptional performance.
The induction took place at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a severe shortage of medical personnel.
University officials described the graduating set as the highest number of medical doctors ever produced by UDUS, representing a notable contribution to the country’s healthcare workforce.
Out of the 122 doctors inducted, 89 are males and 33 females, all of whom have successfully completed years of rigorous academic and clinical training and have now been formally admitted into the medical profession.
The Vice-Chancellor of UDUS, Prof. Bashiru Garba, disclosed that the rise in graduating doctors – from 77 last year to 122 this year – reflected sustained investments in infrastructure, manpower and academic standards.
Addressing the graduates, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr Umar Farouk, announced that the state government had employment opportunities and internship placements available for the new doctors.
In the same vein, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yakubu Augie, assured the graduates of available housemanship positions in Kebbi State and urged them to remain optimistic despite the competitive nature of placements.
Representing the MDCN, Prof. Fatima Kyari, through Dr Tijjani Madaka, cautioned the new doctors against engaging in unlicensed practice.
She advised them to seek mentorship and pursue specialisation, noting that the medical profession is becoming increasingly complex.
The ceremony was chaired by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who charged the doctors to practise with empathy, integrity and professionalism.
