The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish a specialised Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences to train doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals exclusively for Nigeria’s military.
The first batch of medical cadets is expected to begin training in the 2026 academic session.
On Friday in Abuja, Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa inaugurated a Technical Working Group to fast-track the establishment of the institution.
He said the college would provide the Armed Forces with a dedicated pipeline of medical personnel and reduce dependence on civilian universities for military healthcare needs.
Alausa described the college as “a strategic investment aimed at strengthening both national security and healthcare capacity,” adding that the military requires healthcare professionals trained specifically for combat situations, rehabilitation and emergency medical response. He noted that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to expand medical education across the country.
The minister also highlighted the increase in admissions into Medicine and Dentistry, which have risen from about 5,000 to more than 10,000 annually, with a target of 20,000 within two years. He added that nursing admissions have grown to nearly 120,000 annually, exceeding government projections.
Alausa directed the committee to prioritise specialised programmes, including Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, to support the treatment and rehabilitation of combat-related injuries.
Major General Idris Babatunde Solebo, Chairman of the Technical Working Group, said the college would be modelled after the U.S. Uniformed Services University, combining military training with academic education.
He said the institution would be located at the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna, adding that the Armed Forces currently face a 93 per cent shortage of medical personnel.
The government expressed confidence that the first set of cadets would be admitted in 2026, describing the college as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare and defence systems.