The Federal Government has announced plans to increase annual admissions into Nigerian medical schools to about 20,000 within three years. This move represents a significant shift in medical student admissions as part of efforts to expand the country’s healthcare workforce.
According to Punch, Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa disclosed the target. He did so while receiving the report of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Medical Simulation Committee, further highlighting the government’s focus on growing medical student admissions in Nigeria.
FG plans six simulation centres
Alausa said the government also plans to establish world-class medical simulation centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Medical student admissions are expected to rise as a result of these expanded facilities.
The centres are expected to provide practical training for medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy and other allied healthcare students.
The minister said annual medical school admissions had risen from about 5,000 when the current administration took office to almost 12,000.
“Our goal in the next three years will be to increase the number of annual medical student enrolment in medical schools to about 20,000,” he said.
He also revealed that nursing enrolment had increased from about 38,000 students three years ago to more than 120,000. In short, the proposed changes have implications for medical student admissions nationally.
FG seeks stronger healthcare workforce
The planned expansion comes amid concerns about the continued migration of Nigerian doctors, nurses and other health professionals abroad.
Healthcare stakeholders have repeatedly warned that the trend is worsening shortages in public hospitals. Moreover, it is putting additional pressure on workers who remain in the country.
Alausa said the proposed simulation centres would help ensure that increased admissions are matched by better practical training facilities.
He commended the committee led by Dr Wale Suleiman for developing the proposal.
The government said the initiative forms part of a broader effort to expand healthcare training capacity. At the same time, it aims to improve the quality of medical education across the country.
