Nigeria’s healthcare training system is in dire need of modernisation, as experts reveal that medical simulation centers are nearly nonexistent across the country.
A recent report from the TETFund ad-hoc committee on medical simulation and innovation interventions underscores the urgent need for these centers to enhance healthcare education and reduce medical errors.
Presenting the report to TETFund on Thursday in Abuja after three months of rigorous research, the chairman of the committee and a world-renowned neurosurgeon,Prof. Wale Sulaiman confirmed that the absence of simulation centers is severely limiting the ability to train healthcare workers effectively.
“Modern educational practices are almost absent in Nigerian universities,” Prof. Sulaiman said. “This lack of resources is especially apparent in the minimal use of advanced technologies like telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, which are essential for improving access to healthcare across the nation.”
The report advocates for substantial investment in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which can transform patient diagnostics and treatment. “We must embrace AI-enabled technologies for interpreting medical diagnostics and supporting surgical procedures,” Prof. Sulaiman urges. He adds, “Investing in innovative technologies is the most cost-effective way to meet the growing demand for medical care in our country. We must train our young population to become experts in these innovative technologies to minimize dependency on foreign experts.”
One of the key recommendations is the creation of medical simulation centers in every geopolitical zone across the country. “We must establish at least one center per zone to address critical health challenges like maternal-child health and non-communicable diseases,” Prof. Sulaiman emphasized.
To ensure long-term success, the report suggests that these centers operate as independent entities with dedicated leadership and funding. “We envision a future where our healthcare workers can compete on the world stage, equipped with the latest skills and technologies,” he concludes, urging immediate action to transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
