Nanjing Medical University holds a Zanzibar Alumni Reunion Session. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

On Oct 9, Nanjing Medical University welcomed back its first cohort of international students, who studied at the university between 1975 and 1977, as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations. Out of the original 14 students, five are still living today.

A photo of the first group of international students at Nanjing Medical University. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Feng Feng, vice-president of the university, recalled a touching moment from 2023 when Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, Principal secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage of Zanzibar, Tanzania, visited China. During his visit, Jumbe made a memorable trip to NMU to honor his late father, who had studied at the university, as he believed his father's success as a doctor was deeply influenced by his education there. Jumbe also invited NMU to further their collaboration by sending more teachers to establish a local campus in Tanzania.

The arrival of these early international students marked a significant milestone for NMU, launching its journey toward globalizing medical education. Feng Zhenqing, NMU's first dean of the International Education School, noted that the experience of teaching this group laid the foundation for the university's international education program. Today, NMU hosts students from over 70 countries, significantly contributing to global healthcare.

One of the returning students, Haji Mwita Haji from Zanzibar, Tanzania, shared his enduring connection to China. "I've continued studying Chinese because I love the language and want to understand China better."