Alausa Unveils Plan to Train Military Doctors, Nurses

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences as part of efforts to address Nigeria's shortage of healthcare professionals while strengthening medical services within the Armed Forces. Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa said the initiative is designed to produce a steady pipeline of military-trained doctors, nurses and other health professionals capable of serving both the defence sector and the nation's healthcare system.

Speaking after a high-level meeting involving officials from the Ministries of Education and Defence, Alausa said Nigeria currently faces a significant shortage of medical personnel, with only 189 doctors serving in the Armed Forces despite a population of over 240 million. He noted that the proposed institution will complement the government's broader reforms aimed at expanding medical education and increasing the country's healthcare workforce.

The minister explained that the college will operate within the existing structure of the Nigerian Defence Academy in line with the Federal Government's policy on new tertiary institutions. Admission will be conducted through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), while graduates will be commissioned into the Armed Forces after completing their medical and military training. Clinical instruction will take place at accredited military and federal hospitals to ensure high academic and professional standards.

Alausa added that the project forms part of ongoing efforts to expand medical education nationwide, noting that annual admissions into medical schools have already increased significantly under the current administration. He expressed confidence that the new institution would improve healthcare delivery, strengthen military medical readiness and help reduce the country's long-standing shortage of doctors and nurses.

A Technical Working Group comprising representatives of relevant ministries, regulatory bodies and professional councils has been established to finalise implementation plans, with admissions expected to begin later this year once all approval processes are completed. The government described the college as a strategic investment in national security, healthcare and human capital development.