The Federal Government has announced plans to establish world-class Medical Simulation Centres in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to expand practical training for health professionals and grow the country’s healthcare workforce.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, while receiving the report of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Medical Simulation Committee.
Dr. Alausa said the centres will provide high-quality hands-on training for medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy and other allied healthcare students, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I would like to thank the members of the committee that has worked so hard and assiduously to get us to this point in which we are now talking about building several simulation centres across the country to provide world-class training for our medical students, dental students, nursing students, pharmacy students and other allied healthcare professionals,” the Minister said.
The Minister, according to a statement by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser (Media and Communications), also highlighted a significant rise in enrolment across health programmes, making practical training facilities more urgent.
- Nursing enrolment rose from about 38,000 three years ago to over 120,000 students today
- Annual medical school admissions increased from about 5,000 when President Tinubu assumed office to almost 12,000
- Admissions into pharmacy and dental schools have also doubled
“Today, I'm happy to report that we're admitting almost 12,000 students primarily now. Our goal in the next three years will increase the number of annual medical student enrollment in medical school to about 20,000,” he stated.
Dr. Alausa commended Dr. Wale Suleiman, Chairman of the Medical Simulation Committee, and other members for their work. He also acknowledged contributions from key regulators including the Registrars of the Medical and Dental Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, and Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, as well as academic experts.
He described the initiative as “another manifestation of President Bola's fervent and benevolent belief to the progress and benefit of the future of Nigeria,” adding that “this person, President Bola, is committed to providing the best and the highest quality of education to every child in this country.”
The Minister assured that the Tinubu administration will continue to advance the development of the TETFund Medical Simulation Centres to ensure more Nigerian students access quality professional education and to strengthen the healthcare workforce needed for the country’s future.