NUC grants approval to Jigawa State University of Medical Sciences
By Uji A. Iliyasu, Abuja
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Sciences as Nigeria’s 70th state-owned university, describing the development as a major milestone in expanding medical education and addressing the country’s shortage of healthcare professionals.
The recognition, announced in Abuja on Thursday, also marks the first time a state government has acquired a privately owned university and converted it into a public institution within Nigeria’s university system.
Speaking at the event, NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, said the new university would boost access to quality medical education and help bridge the nation’s healthcare workforce gap.
He noted that Nigeria’s doctor-to-population ratio remains below the World Health Organisation’s recommended benchmark, a situation worsened by the migration of medical professionals abroad.
“There is no doubt that Nigeria faces a serious shortage of healthcare professionals. Our doctor-to-population ratio remains far below the WHO recommended benchmark, and the continued migration of medical personnel has compounded the challenge,” Ribadu said.
He commended the Jigawa State Government for working closely with the commission throughout the acquisition process and disclosed that the NUC would notify JAMB, TETFund, NYSC, NELFund and other relevant agencies of the institution’s new status, enabling its students to benefit from government intervention programmes.
Ribadu urged the state government to provide sustained funding for the new university alongside Sule Lamido University and advised the management to ensure uninterrupted academic activities during the transition.
He explained that existing non-medical programmes would continue until currently enrolled students graduate, after which the institution would focus exclusively on medical and allied health disciplines. From the 2027 academic session, it plans to introduce programmes in Anatomy, Physiology, Public Health, Nutrition and Dietetics, Radiography and Health Information Management, subject to NUC resource verification.
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, said the university was acquired to strengthen healthcare manpower development and reduce dependence on overseas medical training.
He disclosed that the state currently sponsors about 200 medical students abroad but intends to train future doctors locally through the specialised institution.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, described the approval as a significant step towards addressing Nigeria’s shortage of healthcare workers.
She said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare services and developing skilled manpower, while urging the university to prioritise quality teaching, research and community service.