FG Plans 20,000 Annual Medical Admissions with New Centres

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to establish world-class medical simulation centres in each of the six geopolitical zones, targeting an increase in annual medical school admissions to 20,000 within the next three years. This initiative, disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, aims to enhance practical training for medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, and other allied healthcare students.

The announcement followed the report from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Medical Simulation Committee. Alausa noted that nursing enrolment has surged from about 38,000 to over 120,000 students in three years, while annual admissions to medical schools have risen from approximately 5,000 to nearly 12,000 since President Bola Tinubu took office.

The initiative is part of the Federal Government's strategy to expand Nigeria's healthcare workforce under the Renewed Hope Agenda, addressing concerns over the migration of healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.