The Federal Government has advanced plans to establish the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences as part of efforts to strengthen military medical readiness and expand Nigeria’s medical education capacity.
The decision was reached at a high level meeting chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, and senior defence officials including the Minister of Defence.
The proposed Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences will operate within the framework of the Nigerian Defence Academy and is designed to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Officials said the initiative will contribute to ongoing reforms aimed at increasing access to medical training across the country.
According to the government, the new institution is intended to address critical shortages in medical personnel while building a steady pipeline of combat casualty trained doctors, trauma specialists, emergency response medics and allied health professionals dedicated to serving the Armed Forces.
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Admissions into the college will be conducted through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to ensure transparency and national eligibility standards. Graduates will be commissioned as Captains upon completion of their training, reinforcing the link between medical expertise and military service.
A Technical Working Group comprising regulatory agencies and defence stakeholders has been constituted to oversee accreditation, curriculum standards and compliance with national education and health regulations. Authorities project that admissions could begin by October or November 2026 once all approvals are secured.
Education officials described the initiative as a strategic investment in national health security, noting that modern military operations require advanced trauma care, rapid medical response systems and specialised training aligned with global standards.
Defence authorities added that strengthening in-house medical capacity will improve operational readiness, enhance troop welfare and reduce dependence on external healthcare services during emergencies.
The establishment of the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences marks a significant step in aligning Nigeria’s defence strategy with broader reforms in medical education and healthcare delivery.
