Newly graduated medical doctors from Kogi State have expressed heartfelt gratitude to former Governor Yahaya Bello for playing a critical role in their journey to becoming medical professionals.
The doctors, part of a pioneer group, acknowledged Bello’s timely intervention, which they credit with saving their medical careers when they feared their dreams were slipping away.
The graduates, who had been enrolled at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), faced a major setback when the institution lost accreditation for its medical program prior to Bello’s administration.
However, the former governor’s swift action to transfer them to other universities across Nigeria through a full scholarship restored hope and paved the way for their success.
Faced with the loss of accreditation at their institution, these students were on the verge of giving up their aspirations of becoming doctors before former Governor Yahaya Bello stepped in and provided much-needed support by transferring them to various universities, including Ebonyi State University, Kaduna State University, and Usman Danfodio University in Sokoto.
In a letter addressed to the former governor, the graduates said, “When we faced the unfortunate challenge of losing accreditation at our former institution, your divine emergence as Governor, swift intervention, and the decision to transfer us to other medical schools were not just acts of leadership but of compassion and commitment to the future of Kogi State’s healthcare sector.”
The group shared that the transfer and tuition fees were fully covered by Bello’s administration, ensuring that financial constraints did not become an obstacle in completing their studies.
This timely intervention, they said, was crucial in allowing them to continue their medical education uninterrupted.
Among the newly minted doctors, several notable individuals emerged with outstanding achievements. Dr. Onimisi Benedict Simpa, who transferred to Kaduna State University, won 11 out of 20 prizes from the faculty and graduated as the overall best student. At Ebonyi State University, Dr. Anthony Edogbo excelled in Internal Medicine and was recognized as the Best Student in 600L at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. Another beneficiary of the scholarship, Dr. Alfa Uredo Eunice, earned a distinction in Surgery at Usman Danfodio University, alongside Dr. Olugbemiro Peters, who also achieved a distinction in Surgery.
These success stories are just a few of the 50 medical students who benefitted from the scholarship initiative launched by Bello’s administration. The graduates expressed their immense gratitude not only to Bello but also to the entire Kogi State Government, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and other officials who played a part in facilitating their academic progress.
Dr. Omeiza Abdulmaleek Usman, one of the graduates, extended special thanks to the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. (Mrs.) Folashade Ayoade, and former Vice Chancellors Prof. Hassan Isah and Prof. Muhammed Abdulkadir Sanni for their roles in the transfer process.
The graduates also appreciated the efforts of PAAU medical college officials, including former Provost Prof. Mariat Tenushe and Prof. Margaret Araoye, for their dedication in helping them overcome the obstacles they faced.
Courtesy Daily Sun (excluding headline)
