The Lagos State’s healthcare system and medical training, the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is spearheading efforts to establish a new stand-alone medical university.
This initiative, driven by the Lagos State Ministries of Tertiary Education, Health, and Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), is intended to address the growing demand for high-quality medical education and healthcare services in the state.
A recent meeting in Ikeja brought together key stakeholders to discuss the establishment of the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Mr. Tolani Sule, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, highlighted the purpose of the meeting. He said, “The goal of this forum is to ensure that Lagos has a medical university capable of bridging the existing gap in the training of medical personnel and enhancing our healthcare system.”
Sule emphasised that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is dedicated to upgrading medical education and healthcare in Lagos to meet international standards.
The government has already invested significantly in LASUCOM to align it with global benchmarks, aiming to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
However, despite these investments, LASUCOM faces challenges due to increasing population, rising student admissions, higher healthcare demands, infrastructure needs, and the emigration of health workers.
Sule urged the stakeholders to devise effective solutions and practical steps to ensure the successful launch of the new University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
“We need to explore empirical solutions and practical knowledge to make sure that this new university meets the medical needs of Lagos and Nigeria,” he said.
Professor Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Health, expressed confidence in Lagos State’s capacity to support a new medical university.
“Lagos is well-equipped with health and medical facilities that are essential for running a successful university of medicine,” he noted.
Similarly, Professor Abiodun Adewuya, the Provost of LASUCOM, assured that the existing staff and resources are ready to support the new institution.
“We have a team of qualified and motivated personnel who are enthusiastic about making this new University of Medicine a pride for both the state and Nigeria,” Adewuya said.
