Nigerian Government says sustained investment in medical education, research and training institutions remains central to achieving a more effective and resilient healthcare system.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, made this known during the opening of the inaugural International Conference of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences (FBCS), College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
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According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the government committed more than ₦217 billion over a two-year period to support the advancement of medical education nationwide.
Dr. Alausa explained that more than ₦97 billion was spent in 2025 under Special High Impact Projects designed to expand medical training capacity across institutions.
He further disclosed that an additional ₦120.5 billion was approved in 2026 to strengthen medical colleges through infrastructure improvements, procurement of equipment, expansion of teaching facilities and enhancement of student learning conditions.
The Minister stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu views investment in institutions that train doctors, nurses, pharmacists, scientists and other healthcare professionals as essential for long-term healthcare development.
Addressing the conference theme, “Precision in Practice: Integrating Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Clinical Insights for Patient-Centered Care,” Dr. Alausa said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, genomics, digital pathology and precision medicine are transforming global healthcare and should be integrated into Nigeria’s medical education system.
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He also announced plans to establish Medical Simulation and Technology Centres across the country to provide students with advanced practical training aligned with international standards and improve clinical preparedness.
The Minister described the Faculty’s contributions in areas including precision medicine, cancer genomics, artificial intelligence, digital pathology, clinical research and biobanking as important to Nigeria’s future healthcare and biomedical development.
Dr. Alausa praised the Faculty for launching a ₦1 billion Endowment Fund and encouraged alumni, private organisations, development partners and philanthropists to contribute toward advancing medical education and scientific research.
He also highlighted the Federal Government’s approval of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), created to provide sustainable financing for research, innovation and commercialisation across universities, research institutions and industries.
According to him, the initiative is expected to improve coordination within Nigeria’s research landscape by encouraging stronger collaboration between academia, government agencies and the private sector.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, described the conference as a significant achievement that reflects the institution’s focus on innovation, academic excellence and international relevance.
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She noted that the Faculty was established to promote biomedical research, diagnostic medicine and healthcare innovation and expressed confidence that it would develop into one of Africa’s leading centres for scientific and biomedical advancement.
The conference brought together academics, clinicians, policymakers, researchers and development partners from Nigeria and abroad to discuss new approaches to diagnostics, treatment and patient-centred healthcare delivery.
