By Umar Yusuf, Yola

The Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola, has discharged a set of successfully separated conjoined twins after months of intensive medical care, marking another milestone in the hospital’s surgical history.

The twins, who underwent a complex separation procedure, spent over four months in post-operative care following the surgery, which itself lasted 17 hours. Hospital authorities confirmed that the case represents the sixth successful conjoined twins separation handled by the institution since 2013.

Of the six operations, four were carried out at MAUTH, while two were conducted at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital by the same lead surgeon, Professor Auwal Abubakar, a former Chief Medical Director of MAUTH.

Speaking at the discharge ceremony, former Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Aliyu Danburan, described the occasion as more than a routine hospital event, noting that it symbolised a convergence of medicine, humanity, faith, and professional expertise.

He said the successful separation of conjoined twins remains one of the most delicate areas in paediatric surgery, requiring precision, endurance, and seamless collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.

“This achievement reflects coordination, careful planning, and the dedication of a highly trained team working across different specialties,” Danburan said.

The lead surgeon, Professor Auwal Abubakar, disclosed that the twins were admitted for over five months, during which they received comprehensive care from diagnosis through surgery to recovery.

“From admission through radiological assessment, diagnosis, surgery, and post-operative recovery, multiple departments worked together to ensure a successful outcome,” he said.

He also called for increased government investment in the healthcare sector, stressing that highly specialised procedures such as the separation of conjoined twins require advanced equipment, significant financial resources, and sustained funding.

“There is a need for stronger investment in healthcare, as such surgeries demand enormous resources, modern equipment, and consistent budgetary support,” he added.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of MAUTH, Professor Adamu Bakari Girei, described the successful discharge as a product of sacrifice, teamwork, and institutional collaboration.

The parents of the twins, who are from Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, expressed gratitude to the medical team for their dedication and care throughout the process.

The successful procedure further reinforces MAUTH’s growing reputation as a centre for specialised surgical interventions in Nigeria.