Modibbo Adama University has achieved another landmark medical breakthrough as its Teaching Hospital successfully separated conjoined twins in a free life saving surgery funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, underscoring the institution's growing reputation as a national centre of excellence for paediatric surgery.
The three hour procedure, carried out on Monday in Yola, Adamawa State Capital, was led by Abubakar Auwal, a Professor, Paediatrician and Paediatric Surgery Specialist at the university's Teaching Hospital.
The surgery successfully separated the twins, who were joined at the abdomen, marking the sixth successful conjoined twins separation performed by the hospital's surgical team.
Prof. Auwal said the operation demonstrated the hospital's capacity to manage complex paediatric cases and provide advanced treatment locally, eliminating the need for families to travel abroad.
"This is exactly why the centre was established, to provide world class medical care for ordinary people within the country," he said.
The surgery was performed free of charge with support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, which funded resources and interventions for paediatric surgery at the hospital. According to Prof. Auwal, the hospital also benefited from about N500 million in 2026 to support research and medical development.
Salihu Bakari, Director of the Centre for Excellence at TETFund, said Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital is one of 30 Specialised Centres across Nigeria receiving significant investment from the fund to advance healthcare delivery and research.
Adamu Bakari, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, praised the medical team and the hospital staff for the successful outcome. He stated that MAUTH had been designated as a national centre of excellence for paediatric surgery and now receives patients from across the country, especially for complex procedures such as conjoined twin separation.
The twins' father, Shuaibu Jibir, who is from Taraba State, expressed gratitude to the hospital and its partners for performing the life saving surgery at no cost. However, he revealed that the twins' mother died shortly after giving birth to them.
The successful surgery reinforces Modibbo Adama University's position as a leading institution in medical education and advanced healthcare delivery, demonstrating how strategic investment from TETFund in University Teaching Hospitals can transform lives and strengthen Nigeria's capacity to provide world class medical care.
