Nigeria Unveils Reforms to Strengthen Postgraduate Medical Education System

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Federal Government has unveiled fresh funding and training reforms aimed at strengthening postgraduate medical education and reducing the brain drain among health professionals.

Speaking at the 43rd Convocation of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) in Lagos, Coordinating Health Minister, Prof. Mohammad Ali Pate said the government is adopting a phased approach to boost residency training.

“Without a strong, well-trained workforce, no health system can thrive,” Pate said in a message delivered by Dr Jimoh Saludeen, Director of Hospital Services.

Priority measures include increased budgetary allocations, access to TETFund support, research funding, modern simulation equipment, and expanded training across all six geopolitical zones.

Pate also pledged completion of infrastructure projects at the College’s Lagos headquarters and plans for an Abuja office.

Congratulating 480 new graduates, the minister urged them to be ambassadors of resilience and professionalism.

Convocation lecturer, Prof. Solomon Kadiri, reflecting on COVID-19’s impact, said: “The pandemic disrupted training but also pushed innovations such as online learning and standardised examinations.”

NPMCN President, Dr. Peter Ebeigbe admitted brain drain continues to challenge enrolment but noted recent rebounds in fellowship awards. “We must continue expanding specialist training while honouring excellence,” he said.

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Mirian Gom

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Gom Mirian AHR Senior Correspondent, has over 8 years’ experience reporting on health, crime, education, investigations, and development issues across Nigeria and Africa. With dual degrees in Economics, she combines analytical skill with compelling storytelling. Widely recognised for her public health and humanitarian reporting, she earned a Nestlé Award nomination for compelling human-interest journalism. Follow her on Twitter @mirian_linus.

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