FG Commits N217bn to Medical Education, Expands Training Capacity Nationwide

The Federal Government has committed more than N217 billion over the last two years to strengthen medical education and healthcare training institutions across the country as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and address manpower needs in the sector.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday at the opening of the inaugural international conference of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences (FBCS), College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

Alausa said the investments reflect the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to building a resilient healthcare system through sustained support for the institutions responsible for training doctors, nurses, pharmacists, scientists and other healthcare professionals.

According to him, the government invested over N97 billion in medical education interventions in 2025 through Special High Impact Projects designed to expand training capacity in medical schools and related institutions.

He added that an additional N120.5 billion was approved in 2026 to support medical colleges through infrastructure upgrades, procurement of equipment, expansion of teaching facilities and improvement of learning environments for students.

The minister noted that strengthening medical education remains central to the government’s efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce capacity gaps in the sector.

He explained that advances in artificial intelligence, genomics, digital pathology and precision medicine are transforming healthcare globally and must be integrated into Nigeria’s medical education curriculum to prepare future healthcare professionals for emerging realities.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Precision in Practice: Integrating Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Clinical Insights for Patient-Centered Care,” Alausa stressed the need for Nigerian medical institutions to embrace innovation and research-driven healthcare solutions.

As part of efforts to modernise healthcare training, he announced plans for the establishment of Medical Simulation and Technology Centres across the country.

According to him, the centres will provide students with simulation-based learning platforms that meet international standards and improve practical competence as well as clinical readiness.

The minister described ongoing work by the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences in areas such as precision medicine, cancer genomics, artificial intelligence, digital pathology, clinical research and biobanking as crucial to Nigeria’s future healthcare development.

He also commended the faculty for establishing a ₦1 billion Endowment Fund aimed at supporting research, innovation and academic excellence.

Alausa urged alumni, development partners, corporate organisations and philanthropists to contribute to initiatives that promote quality medical education and scientific research.

The minister further highlighted the Federal Government’s approval of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), saying the initiative would provide sustainable financing for research, innovation and commercialisation of discoveries across universities, research institutes and industries.

He said the fund is expected to strengthen collaboration among academia, government institutions and the private sector while addressing longstanding challenges within Nigeria’s research ecosystem.

“The fund will provide sustained financing for research activities, innovation and commercialization of discoveries across universities, research institutes and industries,” he said.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, described the conference as a landmark achievement that underscores the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and global competitiveness.

She said the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences was established to deepen biomedical research, diagnostic medicine and healthcare innovation.

Ogunsola highlighted the faculty’s achievements within a short period, including hosting its inaugural international conference, unveiling its academic journal and launching the ₦1 billion Endowment Fund.

She expressed confidence that the faculty would evolve into one of Africa’s leading centres for biomedical research and scientific excellence.

The conference attracted scholars, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and development partners from within and outside Nigeria to explore innovative approaches to diagnostics, therapeutics and patient-centred healthcare.

Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining investments in healthcare training, scientific research and innovation, with the goal of positioning Nigeria as a leading hub for medical education and healthcare advancement in Africa.