The Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a step toward the creation of a specialized University of Medicine and Health Science, separating the College of Medicine from Lagos State University (LASU) to expand medical education and address the state’s growing healthcare workforce needs.
The development emerged during a one-day public hearing held by the Joint Committee on Education, Tertiary Institutions and Health Services, and Primary Healthcare, to consider the University of Medicine and Health Science Bill, 2024.
Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee, Hon. Ajani Owolabi, said the proposed bill aims to train world-class medical and health professionals, promote research, and broaden access to higher education.
He said, “The proposed bill will provide a robust governance system, including the Governing Council, Senate, Congregation and Convocation, while the Governor of the State is designated as the visitor, ensuring accountability and alignment with State priorities.”
The University will offer degrees and distinctions in Medicine and allied health fields, adopt a merit-driven admission policy, and ensure a smooth transition for current students and staff of LASU’s College of Medicine, protecting their rights and academic progression.
Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu, highlighted that the 54-section bill is designed to respond to the looming crisis of brain drain and address emerging healthcare challenges in Lagos State and across Nigeria.
“The bill focuses solely on the health subsectors and envisions a specialized institution capable of producing highly skilled healthcare workers for the state and beyond,” Kasunmu said.
Speaking on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mrs. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, emphasised the House’s commitment to stakeholder engagement before passing any law.
“Currently, Nigeria has only two specialized universities of medicine, both privately owned. This bill seeks to bring standardisation in the teaching of modern medicine,” she said. “This House will not pass a law without actively seeking inputs from critical stakeholders in all relevant sectors and Lagosians at large.”
Key contributions were made by the state Executive Council. Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, noted the government’s responsibility to address the deficit in healthcare professionals.
“We recognise that it is a huge responsibility to address the human resource needs for health in Lagos and Nigeria at large,” Abayomi said.
Commissioner for Tertiary Institutions, Mr. Tolani Sule, stressed that the deliberations are about laying the foundation for a transformative institution.
“This proposed university is a strategic upgrade of LASU College of Medicine. Beyond a change in nomenclature, it realigns medical education with global best practices, expanding the scope, depth, and reach of training for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, biomedical scientists, and other essential health professionals,” Sule said.
Emeritus Prof. Olufemi Bamiro reminded the House that the establishment of a university under a concurrent situation must follow established procedures.
Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee, Hon. Lawal Musibau, assured that all contributions would be incorporated into the final draft of the bill.