In a bold step to tackle Nigeria’s critical shortage of medical professionals, the Federal Government has launched a N110 billion rehabilitation and modernization initiative targeting medical schools in 18 tertiary institutions across the country.
The project, funded through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) High Impact Intervention scheme, was unveiled during the inauguration of a Ministerial Monitoring Committee in Abuja on Tuesday. It forms a cornerstone of the national educational renewal strategy and aims to improve the training environment for future doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and dentists.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who presided over the inauguration, described the initiative as a “strategic intervention” to bolster the country’s healthcare system and reverse the brain drain affecting the sector.
“This initiative is not just about expanding physical assets. It is about laying a solid foundation for the next generation of healthcare professionals who will serve Nigeria and lead globally,” the Minister said.
Dr. Alausa explained that the intervention would span the six geopolitical zones and upgrade key facilities such as lecture theatres, laboratories, hostels, and clinical training centres. Out of the N110 billion, N70 billion will focus on infrastructure rehabilitation, while N15 billion will fund the construction of new student hostels. In addition, six institutions will receive state-of-the-art medical simulation laboratories to enhance practical training.
The Minister lamented the country’s shortfall of over 300,000 doctors and a historical admission ceiling of only 5,000 medical students annually. “We have doubled the intake to 10,000, but this is still insufficient to meet our healthcare needs,” he stated.
Each of the 18 institutions will receive an average of N4 billion, including N750 million earmarked specifically for hostel development. Eight medical simulation labs will also be established to improve hands-on medical instruction.
He tasked the newly inaugurated monitoring committee with ensuring that funds are properly utilized, project goals are met, and detailed progress reports are maintained.
Dr. Alausa further noted that this intervention aligns with broader government efforts to reform tertiary education through investments in STEMM fields, vocational training, research, and stronger partnerships between academia, industry, and government.
Earlier, TETFund Executive Secretary, Mr. Sonny Echono, praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing strategic investments in health and education. He said the intervention would revamp medical training facilities, addressing long-standing deficiencies that have hindered the country’s healthcare delivery.
“This intervention comes at a time when our health system is battling the ‘Japa Syndrome’—a mass exodus of trained professionals—alongside weak infrastructure and poor training environments. It is a timely and transformative measure,” Echono said.
He expressed optimism that the improved facilities would boost medical school outputs and help retain healthcare talent within the country.
Also speaking, Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Aminu Masari, urged stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the project, noting its potential to not only meet domestic demand but also position Nigeria to export healthcare professionals and generate foreign exchange.
According to Dip Connect Online News, members of the newly inaugurated committee include Prof. Suleiman Alabi, Chairman of the Association of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine (Committee Chair), and Dr. Oranu Ibekie, Chair of the Education Committee of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America (Vice Chair).
Other members are drawn from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Nursing and Midwifery Council, TETFund, the Federal Ministry of Education, and an international consulting firm.
Beneficiary institutions include: University of Jos, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, University of Benin, Imo State University, University of Medical Sciences Ondo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University Katsina, University of Calabar, Benue State University, University of Maiduguri, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Gombe State University, University of Nigeria, Bayelsa State University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto, University of Ibadan, and University of Lagos.
