Nigeria’s first indigenous female neurosurgeon, Dr. Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu-Ibrahim, has been appointed Medical Director of a children’s hospital in the United States, marking another significant achievement for Nigerians in the diaspora.
The announcement was made by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
Congratulating Dr. Aliu-Ibrahim, NiDCOM Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the appointment as a remarkable milestone that reflects the outstanding contributions of Nigerian professionals across the globe.
She said the appointment demonstrates that excellence transcends gender, race, and religion, adding that Dr. Aliu-Ibrahim’s success will inspire young Nigerians, especially girls aspiring to pursue careers in medicine and other demanding professions.
Dabiri-Erewa also noted that the achievement challenges stereotypes about Muslim women, stressing that faith is not a barrier to academic or professional excellence.
“Dr. Salamat Aliu-Ibrahim’s appointment is yet another reminder that Muslim women cover their hair, not their brains. Her remarkable achievement demonstrates that faith and excellence are not mutually exclusive,” she said.
While celebrating the accomplishment, Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern over the continued migration of skilled Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad in search of better opportunities. She acknowledged the global impact of Nigerians in the diaspora but stressed the need to address the factors driving brain drain in the country’s health sector.
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According to her, efforts are underway to improve the welfare, remuneration, and working conditions of medical professionals in Nigeria to encourage them to remain and contribute to strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.
She commended Dr. Aliu-Ibrahim for representing Nigeria with excellence, dedication, and professionalism and wished her success in her new role.
Dabiri-Erewa also reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to recognising outstanding Nigerians in the diaspora whose achievements continue to enhance the country’s image and inspire future generations.
