Otamere Gladness 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Federal Government says it has committed more than ₦217 billion to strengthen medical education and accelerate the development of precision medicine in Nigeria through investments in artificial intelligence, genomics and advanced healthcare training.
Minister of Education Dr Maruf Alausa disclosed this on Wednesday during the inaugural international conference of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences at the University of Lagos.
According to the minister, the government spent ₦97 billion on medical education in 2025 and approved an additional ₦120.5 billion for 2026.
Alausa said the investments are designed to upgrade infrastructure, expand training capacity and align medical education with global standards.
He stressed that emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, genomics, digital pathology and precision medicine must become integral parts of Nigeria’s healthcare curriculum.
“Advances in artificial intelligence, genomics, digital pathology and precision medicine must shape our medical curriculum,” he said.
The minister highlighted the faculty’s contributions in cancer genomics, clinical research, biobanking and artificial intelligence as critical to Nigeria’s biomedical advancement.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, described the conference as a major milestone in the institution’s pursuit of excellence.
She commended the faculty for launching an academic journal and establishing a ₦1 billion endowment fund.
The government is also establishing Medical Simulation and Technology Centres nationwide to provide practical training that meets international standards.
In addition, the newly created National Research and Innovation Development Fund is expected to support research collaboration and facilitate the commercialisation of scientific discoveries.
The conference attracted scholars, researchers and policymakers from within Nigeria and abroad.
Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustained investment in medical education and innovation.
“These investments will help position Nigeria as a leading centre for medical innovation and precision medicine in Africa,” he said.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah 