FG invests N217bn in medical education, healthcare training in two years - Alausa

The Federal Government has invested more than N217 billion in medical education and healthcare training within the last two years as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system through improved human capital development, research, innovation and quality education.

Maruf Olatunji Alausa, minister of Education, disclosed this at the opening of the inaugural International Conference of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences (FBCS), College of Medicine, University of Lagos, according to a statement signed by Ikharo Attah, the special adviser (Media and Communications).

Alausa said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises that sustainable healthcare development depends on strategic investments in institutions responsible for training doctors, nurses, pharmacists, scientists and other health professionals.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Precision in Practice: Integrating Diagnostics, Therapeutics, and Clinical Insights for Patient-Centered Care,” the minister noted that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, genomics, digital pathology and precision medicine are transforming healthcare delivery globally and should be reflected in Nigeria’s medical education system.

He revealed that the Federal Government invested over N97 billion in medical education interventions in 2025 through Special High Impact Projects designed to expand training capacity across medical institutions nationwide.

According to him, an additional N120.5 billion was approved in 2026 to support medical colleges through infrastructure upgrades, procurement of modern equipment, expansion of teaching facilities and enhancement of student learning environments.

“The Federal Government remains committed to building a healthcare system anchored on quality education, research, innovation and human capital development,” Alausa said.

The minister also announced plans to establish Medical Simulation and Technology Centres across the country to provide students with modern simulation-based learning platforms that meet international standards and improve practical competence and clinical readiness.

He described the work being undertaken by the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences in areas such as precision medicine, cancer genomics, artificial intelligence, digital pathology, clinical research and biobanking as critical to Nigeria’s future healthcare innovation and biomedical advancement.

Alausa further commended the Faculty for establishing a N1 billion Endowment Fund and urged alumni, development partners, corporate organisations and philanthropists to support initiatives aimed at advancing excellence in medical education and research.

The minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of the National Research and Innovation Development Fund (NRIDF), which is expected to provide sustainable financing for research, innovation and the commercialisation of discoveries across universities, research institutes and industries.

He explained that the fund would help address long-standing challenges associated with fragmentation in Nigeria’s research ecosystem by promoting stronger collaboration among academia, government institutions and the private sector.

Earlier, Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, described the conference as a significant milestone that reflects the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and global competitiveness.

She noted that the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences was established to deepen biomedical research, diagnostic medicine and healthcare innovation, adding that it has recorded notable achievements within a short period.

According to her, the Faculty has successfully hosted its inaugural international conference, unveiled its academic journal and launched a N1 billion Endowment Fund, positioning it for greater impact in biomedical research and scientific advancement.

Ogunsola expressed confidence that the Faculty would emerge as one of Africa’s leading centres for biomedical research and scientific excellence.

“The conference attracted scholars, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and development partners from within and outside Nigeria to explore innovative approaches to diagnostics, therapeutics and patient-centred healthcare,” the statement read

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to healthcare sector development, Alausa said sustained investments in medical education, research and innovation would help position Nigeria as a leading hub for medical education and healthcare advancement in Africa.