Posted on: Mon 23-06-2025

In a landmark development poised to boost Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has approved a substantial increase in the University of Abuja’s admission quota for its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme—from 75 to 200 students. This significant leap, announced by the MDCN Registrar, Professor Fatima Kyari, marks a strategic response to the country’s urgent need for more medical professionals.

The announcement was made during an official visit to the University's main campus, following a comprehensive re-accreditation exercise conducted by a 17-member MDCN evaluation team. According to Professor Kyari, the decision was based on a thorough and objective assessment of the University’s resources and training capacity. She praised the institution for its notable efforts in upgrading infrastructure and academic support systems but also emphasized areas requiring further attention, including staffing, laboratory services, transportation logistics, and clinical skills development.

Explaining the rationale behind the increased quota, Professor Kyari highlighted the principle of "resource-based carrying capacity." For example, an admission quota of 200 requires a corresponding 600 bed spaces for clinical training, while the University currently possesses 360. Nevertheless, the MDCN decided to approve the increase to 200 in recognition of the University's progress and in alignment with its growth ambitions. “Abuja is the nation’s capital,” she noted. “It must rise to the occasion.”

Reaffirming MDCN’s commitment to quality assurance, Kyari assured that the Council would maintain a robust oversight mechanism to ensure sustained compliance with accreditation standards. She emphasized that the Council’s role extends beyond inspection—it also includes providing encouragement and guidance to help institutions meet regulatory benchmarks.

The quota expansion, she added, is in line with the federal government’s Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), a bold agenda spearheaded by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. A central pillar of this initiative is the expansion and strengthening of the healthcare workforce to meet the growing demand for quality healthcare and achieve universal health coverage.

“Our review was based on clearly defined parameters—adequacy of infrastructure, quality and quantity of faculty, student-to-resource ratios, and clinical exposure,” Kyari explained. “We also took into account the national imperative to rapidly scale up medical education, but always with an unwavering commitment to maintaining safety and professional competence.”

In response, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Patricia Manko Lar, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the MDCN for the transparent and collaborative re-accreditation process. She described the Council’s feedback as a powerful motivator for continued institutional improvement.

“Our joy at this milestone is immeasurable,” Professor Lar said. “We welcomed the accreditation team with open arms and made no attempt to conceal any shortcomings. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and the relentless efforts of our staff. I am confident that, even after my tenure, the progress we have made will endure and blossom further.”

This development not only signals a pivotal moment in the University of Abuja’s journey toward becoming a leading centre of medical education in Nigeria but also represents a crucial step in addressing the country’s chronic shortage of medical personnel—a challenge that demands urgent and sustained action.

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