Private universities back FG plan to train 20,000 medical students a year

Nigeria’s private higher institutions want a place in the Federal Government’s plan to train 20,000 medical students every year, arguing that the target cannot be met by public institutions alone.

The Association of Presidents and Proprietors of Higher Institutions in Nigeria said private institutions with adequate infrastructure, qualified academic staff and sufficient capacity should participate in expanding the country’s medical workforce. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Dr Kamaludeen Muhammed, the group described the initiative as a bold effort to address Nigeria’s shortage of healthcare professionals.

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APPHIN particularly applauds the Federal Ministry of Education for its bold and forward-looking initiative aimed at expanding medical education and supporting the recruitment and training of 20,000 medical students annually.

The government recently announced plans to establish medical simulation centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the aim was to increase annual medical admissions from almost 12,000 to about 20,000 within the next three years. He also said nursing enrolment had grown from about 38,000 students three years ago to more than 120,000 across nursing schools, increasing pressure on infrastructure and practical training facilities.

APPHIN is calling for clear mechanisms that would allow private institutions to use accredited simulation centres. It said the rules should explain accreditation requirements, approved centres, fees, partnership arrangements and other operating conditions. The association said publicly available guidelines could encourage private education investors and qualified institutions to invest further in medical education.

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We specifically call for clear and accessible guidelines on the procedure for private institutions to access, engage and utilise accredited medical simulation centres for clinical and practical training.