The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced an upgrade of several medical-related programmes in Nigerian universities, elevating them from Bachelor’s degree status to doctoral level.
This move is aimed at enhancing the quality of medical education in the country to meet global standards.
In a statement released by the NUC and signed by Acting Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Franca Elochi Chukwuonwo, the commission explained that this upgrade is in response to the need for a more comprehensive education in medical fields, incorporating increased clinical sessions and foundational course coverage.
“The upgrade seeks to incorporate more practical sessions, improve clinical skills, and ensure all specialty areas are comprehensively addressed,” the statement said.
The NUC stated that this adjustment aligns with global best practices, ensuring that Nigerian-trained professionals in these fields are on par with their international counterparts.
This change is intended to enhance the employability of graduates and improve their prospects for further studies abroad.
The upgraded programmes will now ensure a high standard of education and international recognition of Nigerian qualifications.
Among the medical programmes receiving the upgrade are the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Doctor of Optometry (O.D). These programmes will now require six years of study instead of the previous five, allowing for the inclusion of additional courses and clinical training. This extended duration will ensure that students receive a more thorough and hands-on education.
The NUC’s statement also clarified that the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (DMLS) programme has not been approved in any Nigerian university and will not be part of the upgrade. “The Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (DMLS) programme does not exist in the NUC’s Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) or Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS),” it stated. Consequently, this programme will not be recognised as an upgraded course in Nigerian universities.
