The Nigerian government has allocated N47 billion to support the development of agricultural and medical education across the country. Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, made the announcement during a meeting with Pro-Chancellors of federal universities in Abuja. The funds are aimed at enhancing food security and strengthening the healthcare workforce.
The allocation will be split into two key categories: N30 billion for agricultural universities and N17 billion for 18 medical schools. The N30 billion for agricultural institutions will establish mechanized farms, with each university receiving N1 billion for this purpose. The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s focus on food security, emphasizing the need for agricultural innovation and livestock production within universities.
Additionally, the N17 billion allocated for medical schools aims to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare workforce by focusing on the training of doctors, pharmacists, dentists, and nurses. Dr. Alausa highlighted that these funds would support high-impact projects designed to improve medical education across the country.
The Minister also addressed concerns about universities offering programs outside their core mandates, urging universities to focus on their primary goals of agriculture, technology, and medical education. Dr. Alausa emphasized the role of university councils in ensuring proper governance, supervision, and adherence to budgets and procurement processes. The meeting allowed Pro-Chancellors to reflect on strategies for improving university management and governance.
