The recent repatriation of Nigerian medical students from Sudan has highlighted the challenges they face in obtaining the necessary documentation for licensing in Nigeria. These students, who were in their final year at Sudan International University when conflict erupted in the country, were evacuated without passports or valid exit visas. As a result, they are now unable to meet the requirements set by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for registration in the foreign-trained medical graduate examination scheduled for June 2025.
Najid Hassan, the President of the Nigerian Students Association at SIU, expressed the students’ predicament, stating that they were forced to flee the war without their essential documents. Despite successfully completing their medical training at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto after their evacuation, the students are now facing hurdles in obtaining the necessary visa stamps for licensing.
Dr. Fatima Kyari, the Registrar of the MDCN, acknowledged the challenges faced by the students and emphasized the importance of maintaining professional integrity through strict documentation standards. While the council has established pathways for students impacted by conflicts and disruptions, such as the Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic, the students must still provide proof of their travel history to meet the verification requirements.
The Federal Ministry of Education has advised the affected students to submit a formal appeal for assistance, while the National Universities Commission has encouraged them to seek redress through official channels. However, time is ticking as the June examination date draws near, leaving the students anxious about their future in Nigeria’s health sector.
The students are eager to contribute to the country’s healthcare system but require the government’s recognition of the exceptional circumstances they find themselves in. Efforts to reach officials from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto have been unsuccessful, further complicating the students’ situation.
In conclusion, the plight of these Nigerian medical students underscores the challenges faced by foreign-trained graduates in navigating the licensing requirements in their home country. As they continue to seek resolution to their predicament, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to find a solution that allows these students to fulfill their aspirations of serving in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
