Sept. 15, 2025
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has graduated the first batch of 23 Somali medical interns trained under a partnership with SIMAD University, Mogadishu.
This is contained in a statement by Malam Auwalu Umar, Director, Public Affairs at the university on Monday in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Umar, who hailed the graduation, said the programme was a remarkable model for African academic collaboration.
He said the graduation ceremony, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, was attended by Mr. Jamal Barrow, Somalia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, as the Special Guest of Honour.
According to him, the programme began in October 2024, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ABU and SIMAD University on Feb. 20, 2024.
Umar said Barrow while speaking at the event, described the graduation as a proud moment for Somalia, Nigeria, and Africa at large.
Barrow said the training provided the interns not only with medical skills but also with friendships, cultural exposure, and a sense of belonging in Nigeria.
“This partnership reflects the strongest bridge between nations built by young people who share knowledge, culture, and life experiences.
“Their success sets the stage for many more Somali students to follow,” the envoy said.
The ambassador, therefore, urged the interns to serve their communities with dedication.
In his remarks, Ahmed reaffirmed ABU’s commitment to supporting sister African institutions and monitoring the graduates’ progress in Somalia.
He thanked SIMAD university for the trust and said the Somali graduates would remain part of the ABU family.
Also speaking, Prof. Sani Aliyu, Director of Advancement and International Education, said the partnership exemplified inter-university collaboration’s contribution to a stronger and more united Africa.
SIMAD university’s Rector, Abdikarim Ahmed, expressed appreciation to ABU for hosting the programme and commended Barrow for his support.
The event marked the first time Somali medical graduates completed their mandatory internship training in Nigeria, laying the groundwork for expanded cooperation between universities on the continent.
