FG Signs MoU with Achievers University, FMC Owo to Expand Medical Education Capacity, increase workforce
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Achievers University and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo, Ondo State, reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health workforce through strategic public-private partnerships.
The MoU allows Achievers University, a privately owned institution, to utilize facilities at FMC Owo for the clinical training of its medical, nursing, and allied health students.
Alaba Balogun, the Ministry’s Head, Information and Public Relations, in a statement noted that the agreement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed health agenda, which prioritizes collaboration between the public and private sectors to bridge the critical shortage of health workers in the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako described the partnership as timely and strategic.
“This MoU exemplifies the vision of Mr. President to harness the potential of private investments in education and health, and to create synergies that will ultimately benefit Nigerians. We recognize the significant role private institutions like Achievers University are playing in addressing human resource challenges in our health sector,” Dr. Salako said.
He emphasized that expanding the training space for healthcare professionals is vital, particularly with the continuous migration of trained health workers in large numbers abroad.
According to the Minister, the government is exploring mechanisms to convert the growing health workforce migration trend into an opportunity, where destination countries are expected to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s health system.
Dr. Salako also commended the Institution’s resilience and vision in establishing a thriving educational endeavour that now offers fully accredited programmes in medicine, nursing, medical laboratory sciences, and other fields, stating, “Your journey reflects the power of determination and resourcefulness.”
On his part, the Founder and Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, described the journey to the MoU signing as one of perseverance and institutional integrity.
“In the last nine months, from submitting our proposal to securing approval, we never had to use political influence. Everything followed due process. This speaks volumes about the credibility and professionalism of the Federal Ministry of Health”
“Today’s agreement is not just a document; it is a promise. A promise to raise the bar in medical training. We’re already building beyond the regulatory requirements to ensure quality education for our students,” he said.
Affirming the resourcefulness of the Federal Medical Centre Owo to execute the MoU successfully; the Medical Director, Dr. Hamed Liasu asserted that the hospital currently trains Resident Doctors in 11 different departments, being accredited by both the National Postgraduate Medical College and West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons as and when due.
He assured that the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, will collaborate with Achievers University to train its undergraduate students in Medical Laboratory and Nursing Sciences. The University is also interested in upgrading the hospital to a Teaching hospital in preparation for the training of its Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Physiotherapy students
The signing of the MoU was witnessed by the Director, Hospital Services Department, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, key officials of the Ministry, management team from Achievers University and, Federal Medical Centre Owo, Ondo State.
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