A Medical expert, Dr. Zainab Suleiman Buhari, has called for greater support for girls pursuing careers in medicine across Northern Nigeria, stressing that the region urgently needs more female health professionals to address rising maternal health challenges and improve access to healthcare for women.
In an opinion piece titled “Why Northern Nigeria Needs More Muslim Daughters in Medicine: A Case for the Family, Faith, and Future,” Dr. Zainab argued that many women in the North avoid or delay seeking medical treatment because of cultural and religious concerns about being examined by male doctors.
According to her, the shortage of female doctors, nurses and midwives in many communities continues to contribute to preventable deaths among women and children, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth.
She explained that female healthcare professionals from local communities help build trust between hospitals and patients, encouraging women to seek antenatal care earlier and improving vaccination rates among children.
Dr. Zainab noted that supporting girls to study medicine does not conflict with Islamic teachings, adding that Islam encourages both men and women to seek knowledge and preserve human life.
She referenced notable female figures in Islamic history, including Rufayda al-Aslamiyyah, regarded as the first Muslim nurse and surgeon, as evidence that women have long played active roles in healthcare and public service within Islamic civilization.
The medical expert also highlighted the broader social and economic impact of educating women in professional fields, stating that female doctors often return to serve their communities, inspire younger girls and contribute to stronger family welfare.
She warned that Northern Nigeria risks falling behind if it fails to invest in training more female medical professionals at a time when the global demand for healthcare workers continues to rise.
Dr. Zainab further addressed concerns commonly raised by parents regarding safety, modesty and family life, insisting that many female doctors in Northern Nigeria successfully balance professional careers with marriage and motherhood while maintaining Islamic values.
She urged parents to encourage girls interested in science and medicine, visit medical schools to understand the learning environment and connect aspiring students with mentors already working in the healthcare sector.
According to her, allowing more girls to enter medicine is not a rejection of culture or religion, but a step toward protecting families, reducing maternal mortality and strengthening community development across Northern Nigeria.
