Medical students to spend 11 years – NUC

The National Universities Commission has stated that any student who wants to study medicine will henceforth spend a minimum of 10 to 11 years for the programme.

Its Executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okojie, stated this while delivering a lecture at the matriculation and inauguration of the University of Medical Science, Ondo, Ondo State.

In a lecture titled ‘Development of Medical Education: Prospects and Challenges’, Okojie, represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, said the move became imperative in order to enable the students to mature psychologically for the profession.

He said the 2015 document for the training of medical students made provision for students to spend four years studying basic sciences after which they would proceed to the medical school to spend another seven years.

Okojie added, “The new benchmark still retains the fundamental learning objectives that seek to achieve national development goals as well as a sustainable development goal.”

Stressing the need for adequate funding of medical training and practice, Okojie urged the university authorities to ensure the judicious use of the money earmarked for the development of the institution.

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, urged the university to leverage on the benefits of the medical complex around it to advance efforts in research and training.

Mimiko, who is the Visitor to school, also expressed optimism that the institution would be a leading platform for raising crops of competent individuals in the various health disciplines.

“It is our hope and belief that it will provide sound scientific, technological and professional training to address identified health needs and problems, solve them within the context of community and national needs and sustainable development,” the Visitor said.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Friday Okonofua, who said the institution would achieve its objectives, appealed to all well-meaning Nigerians to support its  ‘Friends of UNIMED Funds’ initiative, targeted at raising N1bn for the school.

He also commended the state government for establishing the university.