Dr. Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu—UNILORIN Graduate and First Female Neurosurgeon from West Africa
Dr. Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu, an Ebira woman from Kogi State, became the first indigenously trained female neurosurgeon in Nigeria and West Africa, marking a significant milestone in medical history.
Mary Nwaeze 
From the stables of UNILORIN, Dr. Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu, an Ebira woman who hails from Okene Local Government Area in Kogi State, has made history as the first indigenously trained female neurosurgeon in Nigeria and the first female neurosurgeon to be certified in West Africa. Her remarkable achievement highlights the power of hard work and determination, as Dr. Salamat overcame the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.
Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr. Salamat pursued her education in the region, eventually deciding to specialize in neurosurgery due to her deep interest in the discipline. She faced the unique challenges of being a female in this demanding field, but her belief in her abilities drove her to excel. Neurosurgeons are highly specialized professionals who perform surgeries on the brain and spine, diagnosing and treating various conditions such as trauma, brain tumors, stroke, and degenerative diseases.
Dr. Salamat’s journey to becoming a neurosurgeon was long and rigorous, requiring several years of education and hands-on training. The path to becoming a neurosurgeon involves at least four years of undergraduate studies, followed by medical school, and up to seven years of fellowship training. Despite the physical and emotional challenges of the profession, which often includes long and complex surgeries, Dr. Salamat has made her mark as a pioneering figure in the field.
In 2019, she worked at the National Hospital in Abuja, continuing her impactful career in neurosurgery. Dr. Salamat is a proud mother of two children and is happily married. Her story serves as an inspiration to many young women in Nigeria and across West Africa, proving that with dedication, perseverance, and belief, one can break barriers and achieve greatness in any field.
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is proud to be the institution that produced this trailblazing neurosurgeon, whose contributions to the field of medicine are setting new standards for future generations.
