KWASU secures preclinical accreditation for medical programme
By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has granted full preclinical accreditation to Kwara State University (KWASU), marking a significant milestone in the institution’s bid to establish a fully recognised medical programme.
The approval, which followed a rigorous assessment of facilities, staffing and curriculum, allows the university’s Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme to progress beyond the foundational phase. Preclinical accreditation typically covers the first three years of medical training, focusing on basic medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, and is a mandatory requirement before students can advance to clinical training.
In a statement made available to journalists in Ilorin, the Acting Director of University Relations, Dr Saeedat Aliyu, said the accreditation reflected the university’s sustained investment in infrastructure, manpower and academic standards. She noted that the development aligns with national efforts to expand access to medical education amid a growing demand for healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with over 200 million people, continues to face a shortage of doctors, with estimates suggesting a doctor-to-patient ratio far below the World Health Organization recommendation of one doctor to 600 patients. Authorities and education stakeholders have therefore encouraged the expansion of accredited medical schools to bridge the gap.
Announcing the decision during an exit briefing at the KWASU Business School, Ilorin, the MDCN team lead and Deputy Registrar, Dr Nnaemeka Nwakama, commended the institution for meeting key benchmarks required for accreditation. He highlighted the importance of maintaining standards, noting that medical education is both capital- and labour-intensive.
“The university has demonstrated commendable progress in its preclinical training facilities and human resources,” Nwakama said, adding that sustained investment would be critical to ensuring the long-term viability and recognition of the programme.
The accreditation team also praised the collaboration between the university and the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, describing it as vital for effective clinical training. Such partnerships, they noted, are central to producing competent medical graduates capable of addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, conveyed the appreciation of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, describing the accreditation as a boost to the state’s healthcare and education sectors. She said the MDCN’s role in regulating medical training institutions remains crucial in safeguarding professional standards and improving healthcare delivery nationwide.
Reacting, KWASU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, welcomed the outcome and pledged to address areas identified for improvement. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to meeting all regulatory requirements as it moves towards securing full accreditation for its clinical programme.
“With this milestone achieved, we will intensify efforts to strengthen our facilities, staffing and teaching capacity to ensure that our medical graduates meet global standards,” he said.
The accreditation enables KWASU’s 300-level medical students to proceed to the clinical phase of their training after sitting their first professional examination, bringing the institution closer to producing its first set of medical doctors.