BSMU and University of Abuja agree on academic exchange of students

An important bilateral meeting with the delegation of the University of Abuja (Federal Republic of Nigeria) was held at the Bashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia. The meeting took place on July 17, 2026, chaired by BSMU Rector, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Professor Valentin Pavlov and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi.

The main result of the negotiations was an agreement to launch an academic exchange program for students.

Already in September 2026, 10 students of the University of Abuja will undergo a clinical program at the BSMU Clinic. At the same time, 10 students of 4-5 courses of the Bashkir State Medical University will go to Nigeria for a clinical internship. The program is designed for one month and includes lectures, practical seminars and master classes.

Rector of the Bashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor Valentin Pavlov, noted that the exchange of students is not only an important step in strengthening international partnership, but also an excellent opportunity for future doctors to get acquainted with various clinical approaches and healthcare systems." In turn, Professor Hakey Fawehinmi confirmed the high interest of the Nigerian side in the development of joint educational and scientific initiatives.

The implementation of the project will be a new stage in the development of international activities of BSMU and will strengthen the university's position as one of the leading centers of medical education, open to partnership with the countries of the African continent.

Details and the procedure for selecting students of the Bashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia for an internship will be announced additionally.

* The University of Abuja is Nigeria's leading public university, founded in 1988 in the capital. Its uniqueness lies in its strategic location in the center of the federal capital, an interdisciplinary approach to research and active international integration. Nigeria is the largest country in Africa by population (more than 220 million people) with a rapidly growing economy, which makes it an important partner for Russian universities. The University of Abuja is already developing cooperation with Russia, including the opening of Russian language centers and student exchanges, which is confirmed by the new program of academic mobility with BSMU. Nigeria's growing interest in medical education and health provides ample opportunity for further international partnerships.