President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a ₦110 billion Federal Government intervention to enhance medical training facilities across 18 higher institutions, including the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).
He said the initiative aims to expand Nigeria’s capacity to produce skilled healthcare professionals and strengthen the nation’s health education system.
President Tinubu made the disclosure at the 40th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ilorin, held in Kwara State, where he was represented by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Temidayo Oladiji.
“I am pleased to announce that 18 higher institutions, including the University of Ilorin, are beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s ₦110 billion national intervention for expanding medical training facilities. The initiative is designed to produce more healthcare professionals for national service,” the President stated.
He also urged tertiary institution unions to adopt constructive dialogue in resolving industrial disputes, emphasizing that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars across Nigerian universities.
“I am confident that constructive engagement with unions will continue to prevent future industrial disruptions. The Federal Government has paid earned allowances and part of the previously withheld salaries of academic and non-teaching staff,” he said.
President Tinubu further disclosed that a loan scheme for tertiary institution workers has been launched to cushion the impact of current economic challenges, describing it as a “genuine empowerment initiative, not a burden.”
He reiterated that the government’s temporary suspension of new federal universities was intended to consolidate and strengthen existing institutions, prioritising quality over quantity.
“Adequate resources will be channelled to existing institutions to enhance their capacity and impact,” he added.
In a major digital development, the President announced that the University of Ilorin has been selected to host one of the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) Digital Innovation Hubs.
“This flagship project is designed to harness the ingenuity, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential of our youths not only within this university but also across neighbouring institutions in Kwara State and beyond. It will serve as a catalyst for research, digital skills development, and enterprise incubation,” he said.
President Tinubu also acknowledged the temporary economic hardships Nigerians are facing, assuring that ongoing reforms will soon yield a stronger and more inclusive economy.
“The foundation we are laying will yield a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive economy. I appeal for continued understanding and patience,” he noted.
He called on state governments, alumni, and the private sector to complement federal efforts in strengthening the education system, stressing that “education is too important to be left solely to government.”
FG Earmarks N110bn to Boost Medical Training in 18 Universities — a bold move aimed at deepening Nigeria’s healthcare workforce and driving innovation in medical education nationwide.
