The Federal Government intends to establish world-class medical simulation centres across the country’s six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to expand practical training of students in healthcare professions.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa revealed this while receiving the report of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Medical Simulation Committee in Abuja yesterday.

Alausa, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, described the initiative as a major step towards improving practical training of medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy and other allied healthcare students

He added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commitment to expanding Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.

The minister said the need to strengthen practical training had become more urgent following a significant increase in enrolment and admission into healthcare-related programmes.

“I would like to thank the members of the committee that have worked so hard and assiduously to get us to this point in which 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,” he stated. 

Alausa revealed that nursing enrolment had risen from about 38,000 students three years ago to more than 120,000.

He also said annual admission into medical schools had increased from about 5,000 students when Tinubu assumed office in May 2023   to almost 12,000 currently.

“Today, I’m happy to report that we’re admitting almost 12,000 students primarily now. Our goal in the next three years will increase the number of annual medical student enrollment in medical school to about 20,000,” Alausa said.

The minister added that admissions into pharmacy and dental schools had also doubled, further increasing the number of healthcare professionals being trained.

He said the proposed simulation centres would provide students with quality practical training to complement classroom-based learning as the government expands access to healthcare education.

Alausa commended the Chairman of the Medical Simulation Committee, Wale Suleiman, and other members for their work in preparing the report and advancing plans for the centres.

He also acknowledged the contributions of professional and academic stakeholders, including representatives of the Medical and Dental Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and the University of Abuja Medical School.

The minister described the initiative as another demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the country.

“This person, President Bola, is committed to providing the best and the highest quality of education to every child in this country.

“We are seeing it; we are seeing the result now. It’s another manifestation of President Bola’s fervent and benevolent belief to the progress and benefit of the future of Nigeria,” he added.

Alausa assured that the administration would continue to support the development of the TETFund Medical Simulation Centres and the expansion of healthcare training.

He said the initiative was aimed at giving more Nigerian students access to high-quality professional education while strengthening the healthcare workforce needed to meet the country’s future needs.