In a significant stride towards curbing the escalating trend of medical tourism and addressing the persistent brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for Mudiame University in Irrua, Edo State, to launch a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program.
Set to commence in the 2025/2026 academic year, this endorsement followed a thorough resource verification by a panel of experts who evaluated the university’s readiness to offer a comprehensive medical degree. The NUC’s official communication to Vice-Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Osikhuemeh Aluyor confirmed that Mudiame University meets the necessary criteria in terms of faculty expertise and facilities to run a full-time MBBS course.
It is important to note that the approval is strictly for full-time study; part-time medical education remains unapproved. The Commission emphasized the need for the university to uphold rigorous academic standards and continuously enhance its infrastructure and staff capabilities.
Professor Sunny Eromosele, Chancellor of Mudiame University, hailed the approval as a pivotal achievement that aligns with the institution’s mission to “localize medical innovation” and bolster Nigeria’s healthcare workforce and research capacity.
“This milestone transcends academia; it represents a strategic effort to revitalize our health system,” Eromosele remarked. “Our aim is to cultivate medical professionals equipped to innovate, conduct research, and develop solutions tailored to the health challenges faced by our communities.”
Historically, aspiring medical and nursing students from Edo and neighboring states have faced limited admission opportunities, often compelling them to seek education elsewhere, including abroad. The new medical faculty at Mudiame University is poised to bridge this gap, nurturing a steady stream of skilled healthcare workers committed to serving locally rather than emigrating.
“A nation’s economic sustainability hinges on the health of its people. Investing in medical education is, therefore, an investment in Nigeria’s future productivity,” the Chancellor added.
Distinct from many emerging medical schools, Mudiame University’s program integrates engineering principles, biotechnology, and applied medical sciences-a unique approach inspired by the Chancellor’s expertise in industrial technology.
The university plans to capitalize on its sophisticated laboratory facilities, initially designed for the oil and gas industry, to advance biomedical research and pharmaceutical innovation.
“Our vision is to establish a premier research center dedicated to medical and pharmaceutical breakthroughs, fostering the production of indigenous drugs and health solutions tailored to our population,” Eromosele explained.
In a strategic move, Mudiame University has formalized a partnership with the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, one of Nigeria’s oldest referral centers specializing in infectious diseases. This collaboration will support clinical training, joint research initiatives, and studies focused on disease control.
Through this alliance, the university aims to translate academic research into practical health interventions, addressing pressing public health issues and emerging medical threats-a process Eromosele describes as “transforming knowledge into healing.”
Looking ahead, the Chancellor envisions Mudiame University becoming a hub for medical tourism, reducing Nigerians’ reliance on overseas healthcare, particularly in countries like India.
Significant investments are being made in state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and teaching technologies, alongside partnerships with Indian health institutions to incorporate natural and alternative medicine into the curriculum.
“Nigeria currently expends over $2 billion annually on medical tourism,” Eromosele highlighted. “Our goal is to retain this expertise and expenditure domestically by developing world-class facilities and training healthcare professionals capable of delivering care on par with international standards.”
By 2026, the university plans to introduce a pharmaceutical sciences program aimed at fostering local drug manufacturing, complemented by expansions into telemedicine and biomedical technology sectors.
“We are committed not only to training doctors but also to nurturing innovators,” Eromosele stated. “Modern medicine encompasses research, technology, and visionary thinking beyond traditional treatment.”
The NUC’s endorsement aligns with national initiatives to broaden medical education access and improve the doctor-to-patient ratio, which currently stands at approximately 1:5,000-well below the World Health Organization’s recommended 1:600.
Experts regard Mudiame University’s approval as a timely boost to Nigeria’s quest for healthcare self-sufficiency, especially amid ongoing challenges of healthcare worker emigration and strained medical infrastructure.
If successfully executed, Mudiame’s innovative fusion of technology and medicine could set a new benchmark for private sector-driven transformation in Nigeria’s medical education system.
