Nigeria to Launch Armed Forces College of Medicine

The Federal Government of Nigeria is advancing plans to establish the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences (AFCOMHS) to strengthen military healthcare services and address critical manpower shortages within the armed forces. This initiative was discussed during a high-level meeting involving key officials, including Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, and Christoph Gwabin Musa, Minister of Defence.

The college will be integrated within the existing framework of the Nigerian Defence Academy and will link accredited federal military hospitals to ensure strong clinical training partnerships. The initiative aims to increase the annual admission capacity of medical schools from 5,000 to approximately 19,000 by 2026.

The establishment of the college is part of a broader strategy to develop Nigeria's military medical workforce and enhance healthcare security in the region. The program is set to commence admissions in October-November 2026, with a focus on maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.