Nigerian professor loses twin daughters, doctor and pharmacist, two days apart

A Nigerian professor, Hadiza Abdullahi Usman, has lost her twin daughters within two days after both suffered complications linked to sickle cell disease.

Her daughters, Dr Hadiyah Usman Abdullahi, a medical doctor, and Aidah Usman Abdullahi, a pharmacist, died on Friday, October 2, and Sunday, October 4, 2026, respectively.

Hadiyah died at the Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Yobe State, where she had been receiving treatment for about a week after suffering a sickle cell crisis. She was buried after funeral prayers at the Emir’s Palace on Friday.

Aidah was also receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital around the same period. She reportedly recovered and was discharged before attending her twin sister’s burial.

Two days later, Aidah visited Hadiyah’s grave. She reportedly fainted after the visit and was rushed to hospital, where she died.

The Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, confirmed Aidah’s death in a Facebook post, describing her as Professor Usman’s “second twin.”

Professor Usman is the Medical Director of FMC Nguru and a Professor of Gynaecological Oncology and Reproductive Health.

She became the first female Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist produced by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

She was promoted to professor in 2018 and became Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of FMC Nguru in November 2022, making her the first woman to hold the position.