Jigawa Medical University Recognized as Nigeria's 70th State University

On Thursday, the National Universities Commission (NUC) officially recognized the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Sciences as Nigeria’s 70th state-owned university. This recognition signifies a significant step by the federal government to bolster healthcare education in Nigeria.

Notably, it marks the first instance of a state government converting an existing private university into a public institution within the Nigerian university system. During the recognition ceremony held at the NUC headquarters in Abuja, Executive Secretary Prof.

Abdullahi Ribadu emphasized the urgent need to expand access to quality medical education to combat the serious shortage of healthcare professionals, as Nigeria's doctor-to-population ratio remains significantly below the World Health Organization's recommended levels. Ribadu commended the Jigawa Government for its collaboration with the NUC during the acquisition process and announced that the commission would notify relevant agencies to facilitate government support for the new university.

He urged sustainable funding for the institution and advised maintaining uninterrupted academic activities during the transition.