Federal Government Advances Plans for Armed Forces College of Medicine
The Federal Government has announced significant progress in its plan to establish an Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences. This strategic initiative aims to bolster military healthcare services and substantially expand Nigeria’s national capacity for medical training. The disclosure was made in an official statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, underscoring the project’s alignment with broader human capital development goals.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the proposed college is a direct response to critical manpower shortages within the armed forces and the nation’s wider deficit of medical professionals. He emphasized that the institution is integral to the government’s reform agenda for strengthening science, technology, and medical sciences education. The minister revealed these developments during a high-level consultation with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other senior officials.
Nigeria’s healthcare sector faces a profound crisis, with a reported deficit of approximately 340,000 doctors for a population exceeding 240 million. In response, the government has already increased annual medical school admissions from about 5,000 to nearly 10,000, with a target of 19,000 in the coming years. The Armed Forces College of Medicine is envisioned as a pivotal component in achieving this expansion, with the FG taking necessary steps to ensure its success. A Technical Working Group, comprising representatives from key ministries, the Nigerian Defence Academy, and regulatory bodies, has been formed to guarantee quality and compliance.
The minister also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing projects that enhance national security and workforce development. This move comes amid persistent challenges in the health sector, including the emigration of skilled personnel. Notably, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors reported that 3,974 doctors left the country in 2024 alone, a trend that exacerbates the strain on medical infrastructure. While financial systems grapple with issues like banks’ non-performing loans and the reality that cash remains indispensable for many, the government’s focus on medical training represents a critical investment in the nation’s foundational health and security.
