Posted on: Wed 03-09-2025

A New Era for Medical Education—Insights from ASCAF Caliphate 2025

The 19th Annual Scientific Conference and All Fellows Congress (ASCAF Caliphate 2025), held from August 3rd to 8th at the International Conference Centre in Sokoto, marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s medical education landscape. Organized by the Postgraduate Medical College Fellows Association (PMCFA) in collaboration with the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), the event brought together leading voices in medicine, academia, and policy to address the future of postgraduate medical training in Nigeria.

A Legacy of Excellence

Since its founding in 1979, the NPMCN has trained over 9,000 medical and dental specialists, saving Nigeria billions in overseas training costs. The College’s commitment to innovation was evident in its introduction of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and its expanding diploma programs. Alumni now serve in key roles across Nigeria and globally, shaping healthcare delivery and policy.

Conference Theme: Technology, Innovation, and Diversification

Under the theme “Leveraging Technology, Innovation, and Diversification to Revolutionize Postgraduate Medical Education in Nigeria,” the conference explored how digital health, artificial intelligence, and private sector integration can transform medical education. Sub-themes addressed retirement transitions, private sector partnerships, and the implementation of Nigeria’s National Health Workforce Migration Policy.

Distinguished Presence and Key Moments

The conference opened with a courtesy visit to dignitaries including His Eminence, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and top officials from Usmanu Danfodiyo University and Sokoto State’s health sector. The opening ceremony, chaired by Professor B.B. Shehu, featured high-level representation from state and federal governments.

A highlight was the Professor Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi Annual Lecture, delivered by Prof. Basden J.C. Onwubere, who tackled the global hypertension crisis and the College’s role in combating it. The Presidential Session honored three senior fellows for their lifetime contributions, while Thursday’s Honoris Causa Fellowships celebrated twelve distinguished individuals, including an American honoree.

Scientific Contributions

The conference featured seven plenary sessions, 204 peer-reviewed papers, and 51 poster presentations. Pre-conference workshops focused on manuscript writing and faculty-specific training, reinforcing the College’s commitment to academic excellence.

Observations and Challenges

Key observations included:

• The untapped potential of private health sector resources in postgraduate training
• The global shift toward AI-integrated curricula
• The transformative power of digital health
• The urgent need to address clinician dissatisfaction and migration due to poor compensation
• The lack of visible implementation of the National Health Workforce Migration Policy
• The need for healthcare entrepreneurship in medical education

Strategic Recommendations

The Congress called for:

• Integration of private sector resources into postgraduate training
• A phased roadmap for AI adoption in curricula
• Strengthening digital health infrastructure and adoption
• Elevating academic medicine through collaboration and innovation
• Improved welfare and financial literacy for practitioners
• Inclusion of healthcare entrepreneurship in training
• Urgent action on brain drain and internal migration
• Government accountability in addressing systemic corruption and pay disparities

A Call to Action

ASCAF Caliphate 2025 was more than a conference—it was a clarion call for systemic reform, innovation, and collaboration. As Nigeria faces mounting healthcare challenges, the insights and recommendations from Sokoto offer a blueprint for a resilient and forward-looking medical education system.

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