The University of Abuja can now admit 200 medical students yearly, up from 75. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria approved the increase after a full inspection. Keep reading for what this means and why it matters.
The University of Abuja has just received approval to admit 200 medical students each year into its MBBS programme. That’s nearly triple the previous quota of 75. This change came after a thorough re-accreditation carried out by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Professor Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the MDCN, shared the news on the main campus after the Council’s team wrapped up their inspection. It was not a quick decision. Seventeen professionals reviewed the University’s setup from top to bottom.
Why the Quota Went Up
Kyari explained that admission numbers are tied to what the school can handle — bed space, staff strength, equipment and teaching resources all matter. For 200 students, a school should have 600 clinical bed spaces. Abuja currently has 360, but MDCN gave some room to grow.
She put it plainly, “The country needs more doctors. Abuja is the centre of the country. It should lead.” The Council sees potential and wants to support the school’s progress.
Praise With a Push
While the University got credit for improving facilities, the Council also flagged a few areas still needing work. These include:
- Not enough trained staff
- Limited pathology labs
- Weak transport support for students
- Gaps in clinical training tools
But the tone wasn’t harsh. “We didn’t come to just list what’s missing,” Kyari said. “We’re here to help the school keep moving forward.”
She also made it clear this wasn’t a one-off. The Council will keep an eye on things and stay involved to make sure the standards are kept up.
Backed by a National Goal
The quota increase fits into a larger government plan to train more healthcare workers. Kyari mentioned the Health Ministry’s four-point plan under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. In simple terms, the country is trying to train more doctors, keep them in the system and give everyone better access to healthcare.
The MDCN used real standards to guide its decision: buildings, staff numbers, student-teacher balance, access to hospital training and the way the medical school is run. They also kept patient safety in mind.
University Responds with Gratitude
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia Manko Lar didn’t hide her joy. “We didn’t cut corners. We showed everything. The feedback we got will push us to do more,” she said.
She thanked the Council for its openness and promised that the school would not slack off. Even if her term ends, she’s hopeful the school’s progress will continue. “We’ve laid a solid foundation,” she added.
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