TETFund to build world-class simulation centres in six geopolitical zones for medical students
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is set to establish world-class Medical Simulation Centres across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to strengthen practical training for students in medical and allied health professions.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while receiving the report of the TETFund Medical Simulation Committee, describing the initiative as a major step towards expanding high-quality healthcare education and developing the skilled workforce needed to meet Nigeria’s growing health needs.
Dr. Alausa said the initiative aligns with the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to expand Nigeria’s healthcare workforce and ensure that the increasing number of students entering health professions receive world-class practical training.
“I would like to thank the members of the committee that have worked so hard and assiduously to get us to this point where 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.
He explained that the expansion of practical training facilities had become increasingly important following significant growth in enrolment across healthcare-related programmes.
According to him, nursing enrolment, which stood at about 38,000 three years ago, has risen to more than 120,000 students across nursing schools in the country.
Similarly, annual admission into medical schools has increased from about 5,000 students when President Tinubu assumed office to almost 12,000 students, with the Federal Government targeting about 20,000 annual medical student admissions within the next three years.
Dr. Alausa added that admissions into pharmacy and dental schools had also doubled, further expanding the number of healthcare professionals being trained to serve the nation.
He commended the Chairman of the Medical Simulation Committee, Dr. Wale Suleiman, and other members for their commitment and hard work in preparing the report and advancing plans for the proposed centres.
The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of key professional and academic stakeholders involved in the committee, including representatives of the Medical and Dental Council, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the University of Abuja Medical School.
Describing the development as another demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the quality of education, Dr. Alausa said the administration would continue to support the expansion of healthcare training and the development of the proposed TETFund Medical Simulation Centres.
The initiative, he said, would provide more Nigerian students with access to high-quality professional education while strengthening the healthcare workforce required for the country’s future.