The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW) has launched the second phase of its Medical School Enhancement Programme, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce by increasing the capacity of medical schools across the country.
This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mission to enhance the nation’s healthcare system through a more robust and better-trained medical workforce.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the launch of Phase 2 on Monday in Abuja. He highlighted that the initiative is designed to boost the number of medical students and improve the quality of medical education nationwide. The expansion will allow for more significant enrollment, ultimately leading to a larger and more skilled pool of healthcare professionals.
The FCT mandate secretary for health & environment, Dr. Dolapo Fashawe explained that Phase 2 will involve the participation of three private universities—Baze, Veritas and Nile Universities—in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This phase aims to expand the medical student quota within the FCT, providing training for approximately 800 students at selected FCT General Hospitals. The universities are also expected to contribute to the infrastructure and equipment needed at these hospitals, ensuring they are adequately equipped to train the next generation of medical professionals.
Phase 1 of the programme, scheduled to begin in December 2024 in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and LASUTH College of Medicine, is expected to increase the annual enrollment quota at LASUTH to about 2,000 medical students, along with several hundred students in pharmacy, dental and biomedical engineering. Phase 2, now extending this initiative to the FCT, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s healthcare challenges.
Fashawe emphasised that admissions to this pilot programme would be merit-based. Additionally, doctors at the selected General Hospitals will receive honorariums for their teaching contributions and may have opportunities to become professors, thereby enriching their careers and enhancing the quality of education.
The minister expressed optimism that this initiative would not only help address the “japa syndrome”—where Nigerian professionals seek opportunities abroad—but would also improve access to quality healthcare, elevate medical education standards, and create new career opportunities within Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Interest in the programme is growing, with other states eager to join the initiative.
Alausa commended the leadership of the participating universities and expressed enthusiasm about the potential positive impact on Nigeria’s healthcare system. The FMOH&SW looks forward to continued collaboration with these institutions to achieve the nation’s healthcare goals.
