Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has held a send-forth ceremony for the first batch of 23 Somali medical interns who successfully completed their one-year internship programme at the institution’s College of Medical Sciences.
The event, which took place on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the ABU Senate Chamber, was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, and attended by the Ambassador of Somalia to Nigeria, His Excellency Jamal Barrow, who served as Special Guest of Honour.
The medical internship was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ABU and SIMAD University, Mogadishu, on February 20, 2024. The interns began their programme in October of the same year.
In his remarks, Ambassador Barrow described the graduation as a milestone for both Somalia and Nigeria, noting that the partnership between the two universities was a testament to the importance of education in strengthening bilateral ties. He praised the interns for their dedication, urging them to return home with pride and a sense of responsibility to serve their communities.
“You are pioneers. Your success has set the stage for many more Somali students who will follow. Wear this as a badge of honour and carry forward the responsibility of excellence as you return to Somalia,” the envoy said.
Barrow also thanked the Nigerian government, ABU, and the people of Zaria for their support and hospitality, adding that the interns gained not only medical knowledge but also cultural exposure and friendships during their stay.
In his address, Prof. Ahmed reaffirmed ABU’s commitment to supporting sister African institutions and lauded SIMAD University for choosing ABU for the training. He assured that the university would continue to strengthen the collaboration and follow up on the progress of the interns.
Similarly, the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Prof. S. Shehu, noted that the interns successfully passed all examinations after rigorous training that equipped them with diverse medical skills. He added that certificates of participation would be presented to all the graduates.
The Director of Advancement and International Education, Prof. Sani Abba Aliyu, described the collaboration as a step toward building a more united Africa, while SIMAD University’s Rector, Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed, expressed gratitude to ABU and commended Ambassador Barrow for his role in making the programme a success.
