Pioneer Medical Students at IBBUL Raise Alarm Over Accreditation Crisis and Delayed Teaching Hospital

Students of the College of Medical Sciences at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), have issued an urgent appeal for government intervention as the institution faces a critical race against time to secure full professional accreditation.

With the pioneer set of medical students already in their 400th level (Clinical stage), the absence of a functional Teaching Hospital and adequate clinical facilities has sparked fears regarding the academic future of the aspiring doctors.

The Six-Month Ultimatum

Last year, medical regulatory authorities reportedly issued a six-month deadline for the university to rectify significant deficiencies in infrastructure, equipment, and facilities. Stakeholders have noted with concern that more than half of this grace period has elapsed without the visible deployment of the required resources.

While the permanent IBBUL Teaching Hospital remains under construction, students and concerned observers are calling for the immediate upgrade of interim partner hospitals to meet the stringent standards set by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

A Call for Executive Intervention

The students’ appeal highlights a growing frustration over potential administrative bottlenecks. Key concerns raised include:

Funding Gaps: Questions remain over whether the necessary funds have been released for the procurement of medical equipment.

Government Awareness: There are calls for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to be directly briefed on the urgency of the situation to prevent a total withdrawal of the programme’s accreditation.

Clinical Training Risks: Without a certified clinical environment, 400-level students cannot progress effectively in their training.

Beyond Politics: A Plea for Institutional Credibility

"This matter goes beyond politics. It concerns quality education and the future of young medical professionals," the students stated in a collective appeal. They are urging the state government and university management to prioritise the "Kolo Must Talk" movement’s concerns to protect the institutional credibility of IBBUL.

The situation remains tense as the countdown to the regulatory deadline continues, with the academic fate of Niger State’s future medical workforce hanging in the balance.