UDUMSA Organizes Comprehensive Orientation for New Medical Entrants at Usmanu Danfodiyo University

The Office of the Standing Committee on Medical Education and Health (SCOMEH), under the auspices of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Medical Students’ Association (UDUMSA), has on Friday, 16th of January, 2026, organized an orientation programme for 100-level medical students of the university. 

The programme, held at Multiple Purposes Hall (MH2), Main Campus, was aimed at welcoming newly admitted medical students and equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and mindset required for a smooth transition into the medical school. It also featured comprehensive and interactive sessions that addressed both the academic and personal aspects of medical training.

The delegation for the orientation includes, Abudulgafar Habeebllahi Abolaji; Director Standing Committee on Medical Education and Health and Chairman of the Orientation Program, Fatima Wada, Sanusi Abdulmalik, Aliyu Dalhati, A'isha Baba Ardo, Badamasi Khattabu, Aysha Dangaladima, Saleh Awwal Al-Ningawi, and Abdulazeez Muhammad Sanusi.

During the event, the organizers addressed the new students on medical school life, where the students were introduced to what medical school truly entails, and covered a wide range of essential topics in navigating expectations versus reality.

The programme also highlighted the differences between secondary school and medical school, providing the newly admitted students with an overview of the medical journey from 100-level through graduation.

The students were guided on study tips and academic survival, focusing on effective study techniques and strategies for coping with the rigorous academic demands of medical training which emphasized balancing lectures, practicals, self study, rest, and social life.

Recognizing the importance of wellbeing, the discussions on mental health and self-care, educating the students on how to identify stress, burnout, and imposter syndrome, as well as when and how to seek help from their lecturers and senior colleagues. 

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the orientation program, AbdulGafar Habeebulahi enlightened students on understanding the medical curriculum, with a clear explanation of the preclinical and clinical phases, what each phase focuses on, and a solid understanding of the basic medical sciences for clinical excellence. 

He further encouraged the students to build a strong academic foundation, engage in networking, and seek mentorship early in their training.

The newly admitted students were advised on examination preparation and assessment styles on how medical school examinations are structured including Multiple Choice Questions, essays, and practical assessment and how to prepare effectively.

Students were also encouraged on dealing with failure, with discussions centered on resilience, learning from setbacks, and developing the mental strength required to thrive in the medical profession.