In a proactive move to address Nigeria’s critical shortage of healthcare professionals exacerbated by the mass exodus of skilled workers, the Federal Government has announced a significant increase by 100 percent in the admission quota for medical schools nationwide.
Effective immediately, accredited medical schools will double their intake capacity, allowing for the enrollment of twice the number of students compared to previous years. This decision aims to bolster the production of medical and dental graduates in the country, in a bid to bridge the alarming healthcare workforce gap.
The directive, outlined in a letter from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to the Secretary General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, signals a pivotal shift in government policy towards strengthening the healthcare sector.
According to the letter, signed by T.A.B Sanusi, the Registrar of MDCN, and dated January 22, 2024, the approval applies to 41 fully accredited medical schools and 7 partially accredited medical schools across the nation. This translates to a total of 9,610 students set to be admitted, a significant increase from the previous intake of 4,805 students.
The decision, titled “Ministerial Initiatives Toward Increasing The Production of The Human Resources For Health In Nigeria,” reflects the vision of the Federal Ministry of Health to implement the Renewed Hope Agenda for the health sector. However, the Council emphasized the importance of maintaining educational standards during the implementation process, cautioning against any compromise in quality.
The move comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s healthcare system, which has grappled with a severe shortage of medical professionals. Over the past five years, more than 5,000 medical doctors have migrated to countries such as the UK, the US, the United Arab Emirates, and other African nations, leaving a significant void in healthcare provision.
In response to this crisis, Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced plans in October 2023 to double the number of medical and dental doctors produced annually, from 5,000 to 10,000. This ambitious goal aims to address the glaring inadequacy in the production of healthcare workers, with only just over 3,000 doctors currently graduating annually in Nigeria.
The Minister further hinted at plans to extend this initiative to other health professions, including pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, community health extension workers, radiographers, and others, in a comprehensive effort to revitalize the nation’s healthcare workforce. The increase in admission quotas is expected to open up new opportunities for young Nigerians seeking careers in medicine. With a larger intake capacity, more individuals will have the chance to pursue their dreams of becoming healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, the decision is seen as a strategic move to stem the tide of brain drain, where highly skilled professionals leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. By expanding domestic capacity in medical education and training, the government aims to retain talented professionals within the country and attract those who have previously emigrated.
The approval for increased intake capacity spans a wide range of fully accredited medical schools, including prestigious institutions such as the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and the College of Medical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, among others. Partially accredited medical schools are also set to benefit from the expansion, with institutions like Pamo University of Medical Sciences and the College of Medicine, Rivers State University, included in the list.
With the Federal Government’s bold initiative to double medical school admission quotas, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in addressing its healthcare workforce challenges and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all its citizens. As the implementation process unfolds, stakeholders will closely monitor developments to ensure that the expansion translates into tangible improvements in healthcare delivery and outcomes nationwide.