Japa: FG targets 20,000 annual medical admissions, unveils six simulation centres

The Federal Government aims to increase Nigeria's medical school admissions to 20,000 annually within the next three years, as announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. This expansion is part of the government's efforts to address concerns over the migration of Nigerian-trained healthcare workers, known as "Japa."

To support this goal, the government has unveiled plans to establish six world-class medical simulation centers across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. These centers will provide advanced practical training for medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, and other allied healthcare students. The minister highlighted the increase in nursing enrolment from about 38,000 three years ago to over 120,000 students, and the annual admission into medical schools from 5,000 to nearly 12,000 students since President Bola Tinubu took office.

The expansion of medical simulation centers is seen as a crucial step in strengthening Nigeria's healthcare workforce and improving the quality of practical education for a growing number of health professional students.