Recognising the need for a more dynamic approach to medical education, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is investing in innovative solutions to elevate the quality of training for Nigeria’s future healthcare professionals.
In November 2024, TETFund inaugurated an ad-hoc committee for the establishment of simulation laboratories and the introduction of simulation-based training.
The committee is tasked with conducting a gap analysis in medical simulation and healthcare innovation in Nigeria, focusing on areas such as telemedicine, virtual patient care, and remote patient monitoring.
As part of its efforts to deliver on its mandate, the committee recently visited the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) to assess its preparedness for adopting simulation-based learning.
The delegation, led by Prof. Enoch Uche, a former Head of Neurosurgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, expressed admiration for FUHSO’s comprehensive infrastructure development plan.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Prof. Uche praised FUHSO’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Obekpa Abah, for his leadership and the University’s commitment to creating a world-class medical training environment.
“The facilities we have seen, particularly the College of Medicine complex and multi-user laboratories, demonstrate a deep understanding of the future needs of healthcare education,” Prof. Uche said.
Uche also expressed optimism about FUHSO’s potential to set a benchmark for simulation-based training in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Prof. Stephen Abah described the visit as a significant milestone for FUHSO. He thanked TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, for championing initiatives that prioritise innovation in medical education.
“This visit underscores TETFund’s visionary leadership and its unwavering support for medical education in Nigeria,” he said. Prof. Abah added that the visit came at a crucial time as the University prepared for the accreditation of its programs and the commencement of clinical training for medical students.”
The Acting Vice-Chancellor also emphasised the importance of continued support from TETFund to accelerate FUHSO’s transition to its permanent site.
During the inspection, the committee toured FUHSO’s laboratories at the Otada campus, the multi-user laboratories in the Teaching Hospital, and the under-construction College of Medicine complex at Akwete-Akpa.
The Chief Medical Director of FUHSO Teaching Hospital (FUHSTHO), Prof. Teddy Eyaofun Agida, echoed the sentiments of the Acting Vice-Chancellor, stating that the TETFund visit would have significant benefits for both the University and its affiliated teaching hospital.
“The synergy between the University and the teaching hospital is key to creating a robust training environment that meets global standards,” Prof. Agida said.
The committee is headed by Prof. Wale Suleiman, with members including Prof. Enoch Uche, Dr. Kabir Mustapha, Prof. Hadiza Shehu Galandanci, Dr. Lawrence Eziashi Appah, Prof. Babagana Bako, and Dr. Femi Owagbemi as Secretary.
It would be recalled that during the inauguration of the committee in Abuja last year, the Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, emphasised that the intervention was part of the Fund’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s healthcare system and address the need for safety and quality healthcare.
He highlighted that investment in healthcare innovation is crucial to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly through medical simulation and digital health.
“Simulation-based learning is a state-of-the-art approach to the education and training of healthcare personnel across all fields of medicine.
“It offers a unique opportunity to create realistic scenarios where healthcare professionals can practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment.”
Masari also noted that the committee would conduct a comprehensive gap analysis in medical simulation, telemedicine, and related healthcare innovations.
In his remarks, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, expressed appreciation for the committee members’ service and acknowledged that medical simulation would help improve patient safety and the quality of healthcare in Nigeria.
He also stated that simulation technology could assist regulatory bodies in increasing the intake of medical students, as Medicine and Health Sciences remain among the most sought-after programs in Nigerian universities.
