UDUS Secures NUC Approval to Double MBBS Quota to 300, Inducts 122 Medical Doctors

Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to increase its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) admission quota from 150 to 300 students.

The approval was announced on Monday, December 22, 2025, by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bashir Garba, during the induction ceremony of 122 newly qualified medical doctors at the university’s main auditorium.

Garba said the expanded quota followed successful accreditation visits by the NUC and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), attributing the development to sustained investments in infrastructure, manpower, and academic quality within the medical programme.

“The increased admission quota reflects our commitment to strengthening healthcare training through improved facilities, staffing, and academic standards,” he said, adding that the approval underscored national confidence in the university’s capacity to train competent medical professionals.

Of the 122 inducted doctors, 89 were male and 33 female, representing the highest combined graduating figures in the history of the College of Health Sciences since its establishment in 1980.

The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Abdulgafar Jimoh, described the induction as the culmination of years of discipline and sacrifice, urging the graduates to uphold ethics, compassion, and lifelong learning in their professional careers.

Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Umar Farouk, announced that internship placements and employment opportunities had been secured for the new doctors, noting that the state was expanding MDCN accreditation across more health facilities to accommodate them.

Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yakubu Augie, also assured the graduates of available housemanship positions in state-owned hospitals.

Representing the MDCN, Prof. Fatima Kyari, through Dr. Tijjani Madaka, warned against unlicensed medical practice and encouraged the doctors to pursue mentorship and specialization, stressing the importance of professionalism and continuous learning in modern medical practice.

The induction ceremony was chaired by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, who charged the new doctors to practise medicine with empathy, integrity, and professionalism, describing healthcare delivery as a sacred responsibility.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Dr. Ibrahim Anas Muhammad of the Eminent Doctores (Class of 2023/2024) expressed the graduates’ readiness to serve humanity, while appreciating parents and guardians for their sacrifices throughout their medical training.

The event featured oath-taking and the presentation of awards to outstanding graduates across various specialties, with Dr. Musa Memunat Suleiman emerging as the Best Graduating Student.