FG invests N341bn to train more doctors, nurses, healthcare workers

The Federal Government has invested N220 billion in medical education and training over the past two years as part of efforts to produce more healthcare professionals and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this at the maiden convocation ceremony of Miva Open University in Lagos, where he also announced plans to invest an additional N121 billion in 2026 to further expand medical education across the country.

According to the minister, the investments are aimed at addressing the shortage of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals, while improving the quality of training offered in Nigerian medical institutions.

Alausa said the N220 billion spent so far has been used to upgrade infrastructure in medical schools, establish modern medical simulation laboratories and rehabilitate student hostels. He described the intervention as one of the largest investments ever made in medical education in Nigeria.

He explained that 18 medical schools received N4 billion each for infrastructure development, while each institution also got N1.5 billion to improve student accommodation. In addition, the government invested N40 billion in the construction of eight state-of-the-art medical simulation laboratories spread across the six geopolitical zones.

The minister said the investment drive would continue in 2026, with another N121 billion earmarked for the development of six additional medical schools, expansion of existing facilities, hostel construction and the procurement of equipment for 21 medical institutions nationwide.

“Our duty here is clear: to train more doctors, pharmacists, dentists and nurses, and ultimately strengthen our healthcare system through education,” Alausa said, noting that building a skilled healthcare workforce remains critical to improving access to quality medical services for Nigerians.

Beyond medical education, the minister said the Federal Government is also addressing broader challenges in tertiary education through a N250 billion student accommodation initiative, expanded student loan access and a venture capital grant programme designed to support innovation and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.