The Federal Government has announced a significant increase in the annual enrollment of nursing students from 28,000 to an unprecedented 115,000 in a move to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The announcement was made through a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on April 28, 2025.
According to the statement, Education Minister Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes revitalizing both the education and health sectors.
“In a ground-breaking leap for Nigeria’s healthcare and education sectors, Nigeria has reached a transformative milestone in healthcare education,” the statement noted, quoting Dr. Alausa.
The expansion aligns with the administration’s focus on strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM) education. In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, led by Coordinating Minister Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the government exceeded its initial target of enrolling 110,000 nursing students annually.
Dr. Alausa expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, including leaders in the healthcare industry, the Nigerian Council of Nurses and Midwifery, teaching hospitals, and Ministry staff, for their contributions to achieving this milestone.
“This increased enrollment capacity signals a transformative era for nursing education in Nigeria, positioning the country to meet both domestic and global demands for qualified healthcare professionals,” he said.
The move marks a major step toward closing the healthcare workforce gap, ensuring Nigeria can better serve its growing population and contribute to the global healthcare industry.
