Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBB University), Lapai, has officially bid farewell to its pioneer set of 41 MBBS 300-level students as they depart for Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to continue their clinical medical training.
Speaking during a farewell and interactive session at the Abdulkadir Kure Senate Building, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, described the relocation as a strategic measure to ensure the students' academic programme remains uninterrupted pending the completion of the University's teaching hospital.
He said the arrangement was made possible through the support of the Visitor to the University and Governor of Niger State, Farmer Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the management of ABU Zaria, and other stakeholders.
Professor Hadi disclosed that the University's temporary teaching hospital is expected to commence operations by September 2026, enabling future medical students to complete their clinical training within IBB University.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the management of Ahmadu Bello University for accepting the students into its College of Medical Sciences and urged the pioneer class to justify the confidence reposed in them through academic excellence and exemplary conduct.
"You are ambassadors of IBB University. Wherever you go, let your conduct, character and performance reflect the excellence for which this university stands," he charged.
He also assured the students that the University had made comprehensive welfare arrangements, including accommodation, transportation and tutorial support throughout their stay in Zaria, while parents would only be responsible for feeding allowances.
Professor Hadi further revealed that IBB University is concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Mansurah University, Egypt, to strengthen international collaboration, staff and student exchange programmes, research partnerships and academic development within the College of Health Sciences.
Earlier, the Provost of the College of Medical and Health Sciences, Professor Abubakar Aliyu, said the relocation became necessary following delays in the completion of the University's teaching hospital.
He described the pioneer MBBS students as one of the college's finest sets and expressed confidence that they would uphold the University's reputation during their clinical training at ABU.
Principal officers, lecturers, and the Students' Union Government (SUG) also urged the students to remain disciplined, focused and committed to excellence, noting that their success would inspire future medical students of the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the President of the IBB University Medical Students' Association, Jamilu Minkail, and the 300-level Class Representative, Michael Frank Dabilo, expressed appreciation to the University Management for facilitating their seamless transition to ABU.
They pledged to remain worthy ambassadors of IBB University and promised to uphold the institution's values through outstanding academic performance and good conduct.
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