• Zainab and Hadiza Dahiru are amongst the first cohort of graduates from Aston University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) programme
• The course is designed to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to address public health challenges
• Zainab and Hadiza have followed in the footsteps of their brother, cousin and uncle in graduating from Aston University.

Twins Zainab and Hadiza Dahiru have graduated with distinction as part of Aston University’s first cohort of postgraduate students on the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme.

Attending Aston University is becoming something of a family tradition, with Zainab and Hadiza’s brother Umar Girei Dahiru, cousin Muhammad Zayyad Umar, and an uncle all having also graduated from Aston University. Their proud parents attended their graduation ceremony at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on 20 January 2025.

The MPH programme was launched in 2023 with the aim of giving students the knowledge and practical skills needed to address public health challenges at local, national and international level. The course, led by Dr Frances Thirlway, is designed for professionals currently working in the field of public health, and those looking to enter the field.

While Zainab and Hadiza are pharmacists, their graduating classmates include those now working as a diabetes support worker, a locum doctor, a physiotherapist, a GP receptionist and a smoking cessation advisor.

Zainab and Hadiza are originally from Nigeria, where there is a growing demand for skilled public health professionals to tackle its complex healthcare challenges. They say that they chose the MPH programme as it allowed them to combine their pharmacy background with the broader social and systemic aspects of health, and gain a unique skillset to address disease prevention, health promotion, and equitable access to healthcare services. They add that the knowledge gained will help to contribute to the strengthening of Nigeria’s healthcare system, including through like policy development, community health initiatives, and public health education.

Zainab said:

“The combination of pharmacy and public health gives us a dual advantage: the ability to understand and manage individual patient care and the skills to influence health outcomes at the population level. Ultimately, the MPH is not just a degree for us; it’s a pathway to make a meaningful impact on public health in Nigeria and beyond, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for our communities.”

The twins praised the support and encouragement they received from Aston University staff throughout their studies. Zainab and Hadiza particularly enjoyed the diversity of professional backgrounds on the course,which allowed them to get new perspectives and insights, and say classes were interactive and the modules varied and engaging.

In the immediate future the twins will go the UAE, where they obtained their pharmacy undergraduate degrees, to complete internships and obtain pharmacy licences there. They eventually plan to return to Nigeria to open their own pharmacy. The pharmacy would not only dispense medicines, but act as a local health education hub.

Hadiza said:

“By educating patients on the importance of medication adherence, proper lifestyle choices, and preventive care, we can empower individuals to take charge of their health. Additionally, our understanding of the social determinants of health will help us address broader health issues affecting our community, such as access to healthcare, nutritional challenges, and non-communicable disease prevention.

“Moreover, we would also like to collaborate with NGOs and government agencies to support vaccination and immunisation programmes. By combining our pharmacy training with public health knowledge, we are confident that we can make a significant and lasting impact on healthcare in Nigeria."

Dr Thirlway said:

“As the programme director for the Master of Public Health at Aston University, I am thrilled to see our first cohort of students graduating. This milestone is a testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the exceptional support provided by the teaching team. I am incredibly proud of our graduates and confident that they will go on to make significant contributions to the field of public health.

“The Aston MPH has grown in reputation, and a particular strength is our links with local public health and community organisations, where our graduates are making a positive difference to health in Birmingham.”

For more information about the MPH programme, visit the Aston University webpages.

Approximately 4,500 graduates and guests attended the January ceremony which was held at Symphony Hall in Birmingham city centre. Not only does 2025 mark the University’s first winter graduation it also marks 130 years since the foundation of Birmingham Municipal Technical School, the educational establishment which eventually evolved into Aston University.