Private vasities back FG’s plan for 20,000 medical students yearly

The Association of Presidents and Proprietors of Higher Institutions in Nigeria (APPHIN) has endorsed the Federal Government's plan to increase annual medical student admissions to 20,000. APPHIN urged the Ministry of Education to ensure the full integration of private higher institutions into this initiative. This expansion is seen as crucial in tackling Nigeria's shortage of healthcare professionals and strengthening the country's human capital.

APPHIN acknowledged the bold and forward-looking move by the Federal Ministry of Education towards expanding medical education and training 20,000 students annually. However, they stressed that achieving this goal requires the participation of both public and private institutions, particularly those with adequate infrastructure and qualified academic personnel.

The Federal Government recently plans to set up medical simulation centers across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones to improve practical learning for medical and health-related students. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, mentioned plans to increase annual medical admissions from 12,000 to 20,000 within three years. Additionally, nursing enrolment has significantly risen from 38,000 to over 120,000 over the past three years.

APPHIN called for clear guidelines on the use of accredited medical simulation centers for private institutions, including procedures, accreditation requirements, fees, partnership arrangements, and other operational guidelines. They argued that the private sector has significant capacity for investment, innovation, and infrastructure development, which should be included in the government's medical education expansion program for it to be effective and sustainable.