FG signs MoU with GE Healthcare, JNCI to boost Bio-Medical Engineering in schools

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GE Healthcare and JNCI Ltd to enhance the capacity of the nation’s Schools of Bio-Medical Engineering.

The partnership is aimed at improving the training of biomedical engineers to support the country’s healthcare system.

This development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to upgrading the health sector as part of his administration’s focus on human capital development.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare’s headquarters in Abuja, marking a major step toward fulfilling campaign promises.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, outlined the critical role the MoU will play in addressing the dwindling number of biomedical engineers in Nigeria.

He emphasized the importance of curriculum development, accreditation of schools for OND and HND programs, and securing funding to build the schools’ capacity.

“The journey to this MoU began long ago, with meetings and diagnostic studies to determine the needs of our Bio-Medical Engineering Schools. Curriculum development is a key milestone, and we appreciate GE Healthcare and JNCI for upgrading our curriculum,” Dr. Alausa said.

The minister also highlighted the opportunities this capacity-building program will offer. The initiative will not only train engineers to work as biomedical professionals but will also provide expanded educational opportunities for young Nigerians.

“We are working to accredit these schools for HND programs in addition to OND. This deliberate effort will enable young men and women to pursue OND and HND degrees in biomedical engineering and graduate with confidence in their skills. This, in turn, helps the institution and society by reducing the cost of healthcare,” Dr. Alausa added.

To ensure the sustainability of these improvements, Dr. Alausa announced that the Ministry will introduce Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) codes to streamline the process for securing budgetary allocations for these schools in the 2025 fiscal year. He also commended GE Healthcare, JNCI, and the Global Fund for their commitment to training students.

Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, praised the initiative, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to revamp the health sector and improve service delivery.

In their remarks, JNCI’s Managing Director, Mrs. Claire Omatseye, and GE Healthcare’s General Manager, Dr. George Uduku, reaffirmed their organizations’ support for the government’s vision to enhance healthcare delivery. They announced that five students from each of the five biomedical schools in Enugu, Maiduguri, Edo, Zaria, and Lagos would be trained as part of the program.