The Federal Government has allocated N4 billion to the University of Ibadan for the rehabilitation of its medical school, according to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
This allocation is part of a larger target to invest N1.5 trillion in the country’s medical education within the next five years.
In total, the federal government has allocated over N110 billion to 18 public universities to boost enrollment into Medicine and Surgery, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Nursing programmes.
The Minister stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of the Ministerial Committee on TETFund High Impact Intervention Project for medical schools’ rehabilitation across the six geopolitical zones.
Specifically, the minister said the administration is deploying over N110 billion naira investment in 18 medical institutions across the country in the first year.
Giving a breakdown of the amount, the minister disclosed that a N70 billion investment would be for rehabilitating medical institutions in the 18 institutions, N15 billion in building new hostels for each of the schools, as well as medical simulation laboratories in six of the institutions.
According to the minister, each of the 18 institutions will get N4 billion, including N750 million each to build new hostels.
The benefiting institutions include the University of Jos; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Benin; University of Ibadan; Imo State University; University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State; Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina State; University of Calabar; Benue State University; and University of Maiduguri.
Others are Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University; Gombe State University; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Bayelsa State University; and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Alausa said, “The rehabilitation of medical schools will have a profound impact on the quality of medical education in Nigeria. This intervention will: enhance learning facilities. Modernised classrooms, laboratories, and clinical training facilities will provide students with a conducive environment for learning.
“Advanced research facilities and equipment will enable medical students and faculty to conduct research that will drive medical innovations and address health challenges specific to Nigeria.
“Well-trained medical professionals will contribute to better healthcare outcomes across the country, particularly in underserved areas.
“By upgrading the standards of medical education in Nigeria, we will attract international partnerships, collaboration, and recognition, positioning our country as a leader in medical training and healthcare excellence.”
