ABU organises send-forth for Somali graduating medical interns
His Excellency, Jamal Barrow, Somalia Ambassador to Nigeria, attends the occasion
Ahmadu Bello University has organised a send-forth for the first batch of 23 Somali medical interns who have completed their one year internship programme at the institution's College of Medical Sciences.
The brief but colourful event took place at ABU Senate Chamber in Zaria today - Monday, 15th September, 2025 with the Vice-Chancellor', Prof Adamu Ahmed, chairing.
Interestingly, His Excellency, Jamal Barrow, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Nigeria, attended the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour.
The medical internship for the Somali medical students followed the signing of an MoU between ABU, Zaria, Nigeria and SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia.
The MoU was signed on 20th February, 2024, after which the Somali medical interns arrived in October, 2024.
His Excellency, Jamal Barrow, the Somalia Ambassador to Nigeria, described the occasion as a personal milestone for each of the interns.
Barrow said the event was also a proud moment for Somalia, for Nigeria, and for the growing ties between the two countries.
"When Somalia and Nigeria first began to explore deeper avenues of cooperation, education was at the heart of our vision.
"We understood that beyond political agreements and diplomatic exchanges, the strongest bridge between nations is built by people - young people especially - who share knowledge, culture, life experiences.
"This partnership between SIMAD University in Mogadishu and Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria reflects the fruits of that vision", he said.
The envoy explained that the Somali medical interns had gained not only medical skills, but also friendships, cultural exposure, and a sense of belonging within Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that they would return to Somalia better prepared to serve their communities and contribute to the health sector, which according to him, was in great need of their expertise.
Ambassador Barrow congratulated the graduating interns on the academic achievement.
He said they were the pioneers and that their success here set the stage for many Somali students who would come after them.
"Wear this as a badge of honour, and carry forward the responsibility of excellence as you return home to serve your people", the envoy urged the graduating interns.
Ambassador Barrow expressed gratitude to ABU, Nigerian Government, and the people of Zaria for opening their doors and hearts to the Somali students.
Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, explained that Ahmadu Bello University remained committed to assisting sister African institutions.
Prof Ahmed, who expressed profound appreciation to SIMAD University for choosing ABU for the medical training, told the graduating students that they were now part of the ABU family.
Ahmed, who reiterated the university's determination to strengthen the academic collaboration between the two institutions, said ABU would follow up the progress of the students upon their return to Somalia.
Also speaking, the Provost, College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof S Shehu, described the training as the first of its kind in this manner.
Prof Shehu also said the interns passed all the medical examinations after the rigorous training that made them acquire different medical skills.
While congratulating the interns on successful completion of the training, the Provost further said they would all be given their certificates of participation in all the programmes they went through.
In his brief remarks, the Director, Directorate of Advancement and International Education, Prof Sani Abba Aliyu, was glad that the outcome of the collaboration was the better educated, stronger, and more united Africa and Africans.
According to him, the principal objective of the partnership was the consolidation of the spirit and practice in the promotion of cooperation between African universities.
Also speaking, the Rector, SIMAD University, Abdikarim Mohaidin Ahmed, expressed gratitude to ABU for the internship and commended Ambassador Barrow for his commitment towards the training.
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