The Lagos State Government has commenced plans to upgrade the Lagos State University College of Medicine into a full-fledged University of Medical and Health Sciences, as part of efforts to produce more highly skilled medical professionals and improve healthcare delivery in the state.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, during a ministerial press briefing held at the Alausa Secretariat on Wednesday.

The event marked the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

According to Sule, the transformation of LASUCOM is a bold step aimed at aligning with global best practices in medical education.

He noted that the new university will not only expand access to medical education but also boost the quality and number of healthcare professionals trained in Lagos.

“The Lagos State Government has initiated the process of transforming LASUCOM into a stand-alone University of Medical and Health Sciences. This will enable us to produce better quality and a higher number of medical and allied personnel, thereby enhancing the state’s healthcare system,” Sule said.

He added that this development was part of broader reforms by the Ministry of Tertiary Education to revolutionise higher education in Lagos.

These reforms include the establishment of new departments and administrative units within the ministry, the launch of digital literacy programmes like Job Initiative Lagos and Eko Digital Initiative, and international partnerships aimed at equipping students with globally relevant skills.

Sule said over 8,000 students had benefited from digital and entrepreneurial training under JIL, while more than 5,000 youths had been trained in digital marketing, coding, and data analysis through the Eko Digital Initiative.

“The goal is to prepare our students and graduates for the demands of a global economy, ensuring they are not only employable but capable of driving innovation and development,” Sule said.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s dedication to building a skilled and competitive workforce to contribute meaningfully to Lagos’ socio-economic growth and technological advancement.