FG targets 20,000 annual medical admissions, plans simulation centres nationwide

The Federal Government aims to admit 20,000 students annually into Nigerian medical schools within the next three years. To support this goal, the ministry plans to establish medical simulation centres in all six geo-political zones across the country. This initiative seeks to address the issue of medical professionals migrating to other nations by providing practical training to students in various healthcare professions.

Education Minister Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa revealed the plans after reviewing a report from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Medical Simulation Committee. The centres will offer top-notch training for students in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and other allied health fields. Alausa emphasized that the increasing number of healthcare trainees necessitates the expansion of practical training infrastructure.

He highlighted that nursing enrollments have surged from around 38,000 three years ago to over 120,000, while pharmacy and dental school admissions have doubled. The simulation centres are funded by the TETFund and align with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes expanding Nigeria's healthcare workforce. Key professional and academic bodies, including representatives from the Medical and Dental Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, and the University of Abuja Medical School, contributed to the committee's work.

The committee, chaired by Dr. Wale Suleiman, delivered the report to Alausa, who commended their efforts in advancing the proposed facilities. The Federal Government is actively investing in medical education and healthcare training to overcome infrastructure and workforce gaps in the sector.