Among some Nigerians who have been identified for their remarkable works is a certain Dr Mustapha Abubakar. The UK-based Nigerian medical doctor is one of those who have prioritised the development of Nigeria ahead of other activities, and in his field of specialisation, stands out as a nation builder.
Dr Mustapha Abubakar became a certified medical doctor at 27.
In an exclusive interview with ZENITHBLOG.com from his UK base, Dr Abubakar, who was listed as one of the 2016 top 100 Arewa people in Nigeria, revealed how he rose to fame having topped his class during his university days at Bayero University, Kano.
Excerpts:
“What was growing up like?”
I like to think that I am still growing up (laughs). Well, seriously, I have very fond memories of my childhood. It was very typical I guess. Mostly characterised by getting up to go to school quite early in the morning and then rushing back home to catch up on the children’s TV series Sesame Street and then outdoor activities with friends and siblings. Nothing too remarkable but fun nonetheless.
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“Where were you born and where did you grow up?”
I was born in Zaria. More specifically, I was born in Tudun Wada, Zaria local government area of Kaduna state. My formative years were spent between Zaria and Abuja as my parents moved to Abuja when I was just about 9 years old. I must say that I enjoyed this phase of my childhood and it contributed in no small measure in shaping my world view.
“At what age did you become a certified Medical Doctor?”
I became a Medical Doctor at 27 years of age.
How does it feel to be listed among the Arewa’s Top 100 people of the year 2016?
To begin with,
You must appreciate how humbled I must have felt being in the company of such esteemed honorees. Beyond that, however, it feels good to know that the things we do out of passion and desire to expand human knowledge do not go unnoticed; especially by one’s own people. Feels very good.
“Do you have other ambitions that you’re looking forward to?”
Absolutely. I think a life without ambitions is unfathomable. I work in the area of Cancer research. Cancers, as you may be aware, have come to characterise important causes of morbidity and mortality the world over.
My ambitions include furthering our understanding of this disease and figuring out better ways to prevent it, diagnose it early and treat it. Achieving this would mean that I would have to continue on my current path of research and academic medicine; hoping to be a professor sometime in the future.
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“Having studied in Nigeria and the UK, how would you rate the standard of education in Nigeria in comparison with other countries?”
I think that the verdict is out on this. I am not sure if any Nigerian university is ranked amongst the top 1000 in the world but I know there’s none in the top 500.
Truth is we still have a long way to go to catch up with many other countries in terms of the quality of our educational system but it is not impossible. We can do it as long as we put our minds to it.
The 38-year-old medical doctor is happily married!
360naze
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