L-R: Dr. Funmi Adeboje; LASUCOM Provost, Prof. Abiodun Adewuya; Lagos Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Commissioner for Tertiary Education; Hon. Tolani Sule, Prof. Olufemi Bamiro, Prof. Olaopa and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr. Adeniran Kasali at the Stakeholders Engagement on the Transmutation of LASUCOM to University of Medicine and Health Sciences

The Lagos State Government has initiated steps to transform the Lagos State University College of Medicine into an independent medical university.

Earlier this January, Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed plans to create a medical university aimed at improving the state's healthcare infrastructure and addressing the issue of medical professionals leaving for opportunities abroad.

Sanwo-Olu indicated that the establishment of the university is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, with a goal of graduating approximately 1,500 doctors each year, urging other states to emulate Lagos's initiative.

The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Universities Commission, is set to establish a new institution named Lagos State Medical University by the end of this year (2024).

This initiative is seen as a crucial step forward, as stated by officials. In line with this, the Ministry of Tertiary Education announced on Tuesday that it has organized a meeting with essential stakeholders to discuss the formation of the proposed medical university.

Mr. Mamud Hassan, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Tertiary Education, noted that this effort is part of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration's commitment to creating a world-class medical college and enhancing the healthcare system for the residents of Lagos State.

During the meeting held in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, emphasized that the goal is to establish a medical university that will address the current deficiencies in medical training and elevate the healthcare delivery framework within the state.

Sule emphasized Governor Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to improving the training and development of medical doctors and related professionals in the state to align with international standards.

He highlighted that the current administration has made substantial investments in both human resources and finances at the Lagos State College of Medicine to ensure it meets top global benchmarks and enhances the healthcare system in the state.

The Commissioner recognized that, despite these investments and advancements at LASUCOM, the institution continues to encounter challenges stemming from a growing population, increased student admissions, rising healthcare demands, infrastructure needs, and the migration of healthcare workers.

He called on the forum to formulate strategies, investigate evidence-based solutions, and take actionable steps towards the successful establishment of the University of Medicine and Health Sciences, aimed at addressing the medical requirements of both the state and Nigeria at large. In his comments, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, stated that the state possesses sufficient health and medical infrastructure to support a thriving medical university.

Likewise, the Provost of LASUCOM, Professor Abiodun Adewuya, expressed confidence that the institution has a team of qualified and motivated staff ready to ensure that the new stand-alone University of Medicine becomes a point of pride for both the state and Nigeria in terms of professionalism and quality.

Other participants at the meeting assured the state government of their ministries’ preparedness, support, and collaboration for the multi-campus University of Medical and Health Sciences, which is set to begin admissions in the 2024/2025 academic year, given the availability of qualified medical personnel and facilities across the state for a successful launch.

The stakeholders' meeting was a carefully planned intellectual and professional engagement organized by the Ministries of Tertiary Education, Health, and LASUCOM. The purpose of this meeting was to explore empirical and practical knowledge to successfully establish the multi-campus University of Medicine and Health Sciences. This university aims to address the medical needs of the state and Nigeria by providing healthcare that analyzes the causes, effects, and dimensions of medical issues affecting our state and national healthcare needs.