Posted on: Wed 30-04-2025

In a bold and much-needed move, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a N110 billion investment to revamp 18 medical schools across the country. This intervention, channeled through TETFund, isn't just infrastructure spending — it is a statement of intent. At a time when the nation faces a relentless “japa” wave — the exodus of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in search of greener pastures — this investment is both strategic and overdue.

Announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, this initiative signals a long-awaited recognition that you can’t build a resilient health sector on crumbling lecture theatres and outdated laboratories. By targeting core programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing, the government is finally addressing a root cause of the crisis: poor medical education infrastructure.

“Today, we are deploying over N110bn… N70bn for rehabilitation alone,” Dr. Alausa said. It’s a powerful gesture — and a promising start — but Nigerians will be watching closely to see if this turns into real, measurable change, or just another big announcement that fades into bureaucratic inertia.

The plan includes the creation of eight simulation labs and new hostels, with each university receiving an average of N4bn. If implemented faithfully, this could transform the learning environment for thousands of future medical professionals and curb the appeal of foreign training. But implementation is everything.

Let’s be clear: funding medical schools is not a favour — it’s a necessity. A country of over 200 million cannot afford to keep losing its health workforce. As long as young doctors and nurses see their training environments as inferior or uninspiring, the “exit door” will continue to swing open. This investment may help shut that door — at least partially.

Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad made a strong point when she said the intervention could reduce "education tourism" — a trend where Nigeria loses billions annually as students seek quality education abroad. It’s time we stop outsourcing our future professionals to other nations. They should be built and inspired right here at home.

Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, echoed this sentiment, noting the rehabilitation of lecture theatres and labs would boost the nation’s capacity to train more health workers. That capacity is not just about numbers — it’s about confidence in the system, quality of output, and ultimately, saving Nigerian lives.

Of course, this project will rise or fall on accountability. That’s why the formation of a 12-member implementation committee, headed by Prof. Suleiman Alabi, is a smart move — provided the committee does more than meet and report. They must demand results, engage stakeholders actively, and keep the public informed.

With 18 universities selected — from Lagos and Ibadan to Sokoto and Maiduguri — the initiative promises geopolitical balance. But beyond the map, what matters is delivery. Nigerians want to see functioning simulation labs, world-class lecture halls, and campuses that truly reflect the global standards our medical students deserve.

In the context of a healthcare system under siege, this is not just a capital project. It is a lifeline — and it must not fail.

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