A Nigerian medical scholar, Dr. Usman Yz, has recorded another outstanding academic feat after graduating with a First-Class Distinction (Otlichna) in his residency programme in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology from I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russia’s leading medical institution.
The achievement marks another milestone in the doctor’s remarkable academic journey, making it the third time he has attained a record-breaking distinction in his pursuit of medical excellence.
Dr. Usman now holds two professional medical licenses issued by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation—one as a General Practitioner (Therapist) and another as a Consultant in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, authorizing him to practice in Russia and several friendly countries.
Beyond his clinical qualifications, he is also a Candidate of Medical Sciences (PhD), an Associate Professor, a recipient of the prestigious Russian Gramota Award for academic excellence, and a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, a recognition he described as a great honour for an African.
The Sokoto-born doctor began his journey after graduating from Irkutsk State Medical University in 2023 as the overall winner of the prestigious Euro-Russian Open Doors Scholarship. Rather than stopping at a PhD, he simultaneously enrolled in a residency programme, personally funding the costly specialist training while pursuing advanced research.
His commitment has since earned him another major breakthrough after emerging as the overall winner of a postdoctoral fellowship under the same international scholarship programme.
Despite his international success, Dr. Usman disclosed that his original university degree has allegedly remained withheld since 2023 due to what he described as political interference involving some former and serving officials of the Sokoto State Scholarship Board. Nevertheless, he said the availability of his academic records in Russia enabled him to continue his postgraduate education uninterrupted.
He appealed to the Sokoto State Government to help resolve the matter while dedicating his latest achievement to Nigeria, Sokoto State, and young Africans aspiring to excel through education.
According to him, his story demonstrates that perseverance, sacrifice, and faith in Allah can overcome even the greatest obstacles, urging young people never to allow their background to limit their ambitions.
Culled from Nasarawa Daily News