The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, has pledged institutional support for the forthcoming North-West Regional Convention of Medical Students, scheduled to hold in Kano.
Prof. Ma’aji made the commitment when he received members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the convention during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters.
Abdulrashid Y. Safana, the Director Press and Public Relations of the North-West Development Commission disclosed this in a statement sent to GLOBAL TRACKER in Kano on Wednesday.
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The four-day convention, hosted by North-West University, Kano, is scheduled to commence on 24 September with a public lecture and run through 27 September 2026.
The LOC delegation, led by its Chairman, Khalifa Abdullahi Dahiru, informed the NWDC management that North-West University, Kano, had secured the hosting rights for this year’s regional convention.
The event is expected to bring together medical students from universities across the North-West and other parts of Northern Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Students Association (NIMSA) Northern Caucus, Bilal Muhaamad Bello, said the visit was to formally brief the Commission about the convention and seek institutional support and sponsorship.
He said the requested support would particularly assist with logistics and the welfare of delegates expected to attend the event.
Bello also extended a formal invitation to the NWDC Managing Director/CEO to attend the opening public lecture.
The delegation apologized for the late submission of its request but expressed confidence that the Commission would identify with the aspirations of medical students, whom it described as an important component of the region’s future healthcare workforce.
Responding, Prof. Ma’aji welcomed the delegation and commended the medical students for their initiative and organisational efforts.
He, however, noted that the timing of the request left limited opportunity for extensive management consideration, but assured the delegation that the Commission would review the submission promptly and consider possible support within available institutional provisions.
The NWDC boss emphasised the importance of hospitality and excellence in hosting the convention, stressing that Kano, as a centre of learning and culture, should continue to demonstrate its capacity to host regional and national gatherings.
“Kano is known for its hospitality. Those who come must leave with a good impression. We encourage you to ensure your colleagues from other universities enjoy their stay, participate fully, and return safely to their destinations,” Prof. Ma’aji said.
He further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to youth and human capital development, describing medical students as critical to the future of healthcare in the region.
“The Commission is committed to youth and human capital development. Medical students are central to the future of our healthcare system. We will look into your request and see what we can do within the shortest possible time to support a successful Convention,” he added.
Prof. Ma’aji subsequently directed the relevant department responsible for youth and student engagements to immediately review the LOC’s letter and advise the Commission’s management on the request.
He wished the organising committee a successful and impactful convention.
The convention is expected to provide a platform for medical students across the region to interact, exchange knowledge and experiences, and discuss issues relevant to medical education and the future of healthcare delivery in the North-West.
The visit further underscored the growing emphasis on youth development and human-capital investment as part of efforts to strengthen the region’s future professional workforce.