Japa: Nigeria to Admit 20,000 Medical Students Annually as FG Unveils Six Simulation Centres


 

By Abdullahi Musa 


The Federal Government has announced plans to increase annual admission into Nigerian medical schools to 20,000 students within the next three years, while unveiling plans for the establishment of medical simulation centres across the country’s six geopolitical zones. 


The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while receiving the report of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Medical Simulation Committee.


According to Alausa, the proposed simulation centres will provide practical training for students studying medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy and other allied health professions.


He said the initiative was part of efforts by the Federal Government to expand Nigeria’s healthcare workforce and improve the quality of practical training available to students.


The minister explained that the expansion of training capacity had become necessary following a significant increase in enrolment into health-related programmes.


He disclosed that nursing enrolment had risen from about 38,000 students three years ago to more than 120,000 currently.


Similarly, annual admission into medical schools has increased from approximately 5,000 students when President Bola Tinubu assumed office to nearly 12,000 students currently.


> “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,” Alausa said. 


He added that enrolment into pharmacy and dental programmes had also increased.


Alausa said the simulation centres would help address the challenge of providing adequate practical training for the growing number of students entering Nigeria’s healthcare professions.


The initiative comes amid persistent concerns over the migration, popularly known as “Japa,” of Nigerian doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals seeking better working conditions and career opportunities abroad.


The migration of health workers has raised concerns among stakeholders over shortages of skilled personnel and the pressure on Nigeria’s healthcare system. 


The minister commended the Chairman of the Medical Simulation Committee, Dr Wale Suleiman, and other members for their work in developing the framework for the proposed centres.


Alausa said the initiative reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to improving education and developing the skilled workforce required to meet Nigeria’s future healthcare needs.


He added that President Tinubu remained committed to providing quality education and strengthening human capital development across the country.

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