UDUS inducts 122 new medical doctors

At a time Nigeria is grappling with an acute shortage of medical professionals, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has injected fresh capacity into the health sector with the induction of 122 newly qualified medical doctors, the largest number ever produced by the institution.

The induction ceremony, held on Monday at the main auditorium hall of UDUS in Sokoto, also underscored growing confidence in the university’s medical programme, as authorities confirmed that approval has been granted in principle to double UDUS’ MBBS admission quota from 150 to 300 students.

Health officials at the event said the development could help ease manpower gaps in northern Nigeria, where many public hospitals remain understaffed.

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Of the new doctors inducted, 89 are males and 33 females, formally admitted into the profession after completing years of rigorous academic and clinical training.

Welcoming the graduates, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Abdulgafar Jimoh, described the moment as the fulfilment of years of discipline, sacrifice and resilience.

“This induction marks your transition into a life of service to humanity,” he said, reminding them that medicine demands lifelong learning and ethical conduct.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bashiru Garba said the sharp rise in the number of graduating doctors—from 77 last year to 122 this year—reflects sustained investment in facilities, manpower and academic standards.

He disclosed that the expansion of the admission quota followed inspections by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

“We are committed to producing competent doctors who can compete anywhere in the world,” Garba said.

In a move seen as a relief to the graduates, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Umar Farouk, announced that the state has job opportunities and internship placements for the new doctors and is seeking MDCN accreditation for more state hospitals to absorb them.

The Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yakubu Augie, also assured the graduates of available housemanship slots in the state, urging them not to lose hope amid the competitive placement process.

Representing the MDCN, Prof. Fatima Kyari, through Dr. Tijjani Madaka, cautioned the doctors against unlicensed practice and urged them to seek mentorship and specialization, warning that the medical profession is becoming increasingly complex.

The induction 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.

A major highlight of the event was the emergence of Dr. Maimunat Musa as the overall best graduating medical doctor, a feat hailed by many as evidence of the growing presence of women at the forefront of medical excellence.

Stakeholders at the ceremony described the induction as a timely boost to Nigeria’s overstretched healthcare system and a testament to UDUS’ rising role in training the next generation of Doctors.