By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has congratulated Nigeria’s first indigenous female neurosurgeon, Dr Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu-Ibrahim, on her appointment as Medical Director of a children’s hospital in the United States, with the commission’s chairman describing the feat as proof that faith and professional excellence are not mutually exclusive.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, 6 August,2026 in Abuja by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, quoting the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
She described the appointment as a remarkable milestone for Nigerians in the diaspora and an inspiration to young people, particularly girls aspiring to careers in medicine, adding that Aliu-Ibrahim’s success demonstrated that excellence transcends gender, race and religion.
“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 has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless young girls across Nigeria and beyond,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
She encouraged Muslim women and other young Nigerians to remain committed to excellence, stressing that competence, integrity and hard work would always distinguish those determined to make meaningful contributions to society.
While celebrating the appointment, Dabiri-Erewa expressed concern over the continued migration of highly skilled Nigerian healthcare professionals in search of better opportunities abroad.
She, however, noted that the Federal Government was taking steps to address challenges facing the health sector by improving the welfare, remuneration and working conditions of medical professionals, adding that creating an enabling environment for healthcare workers would help reduce brain drain and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system toward sustainable national development.
Dabiri-Erewa commended Aliu-Ibrahim for projecting Nigeria positively through excellence, dedication and professionalism, and wished her success in her new role.
She added that NiDCOM would continue to celebrate outstanding Nigerians in the diaspora whose achievements enhance the country’s global image and inspire future generations.
