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Japa: FG increase number of medical, nursing schools’ enrolment from 28,000 to 64,000
By Francesca Hangeior
In a bid to control medical tourism popularly referred to as ‘Japa” the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate has said that the enrolment quota in medical, nursing, and other health professional schools has been increased from 28,000 to 64,000 yearly.
Prof Pate said this at the sectoral ministerial press briefing to mark the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu in office in Abuja.
Over the years, health workers in the country have always moved to other countries to practice, but experts say the recent increase in emigration is worrisome.
Experts identified the push factors as inadequate equipment, worsening insecurity, poor working conditions, and poor salary structure.
Data from the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria showed that about 1,056 consultants left the country to seek greener pastures between 2019 and 2023.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors also revealed over 900 of its members left for Europe between January and September 2023.
Pate, however, said, “We have doubled the intake, the enrollment, the quotas of medical schools, nursing schools, and other health professionals’ schools from an enrollment target of 28,000 a year to 64,000 now.
“That is just the first step, the education sector will have to play its role. The states will have to play in to improve the infrastructure, the training, and the tools to produce more healthcare workforce because we need to produce more healthcare workforce given that we’re losing some so that we can serve the population of this country.”
On the Primary Health Care Centres, the minister noted that at least 1,400 centres can now provide skilled birth attendants.
According to him, more than 2,400 health workers – doctors, nurses, and midwives are been recruited in facilities to provide essential health services to Nigerians in rural areas.
He also highlighted that the Federal Government has disbursed the first tranche of N25bn of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the National Health Insurance Authority.
“We put a condition that states that will access those have to comply with the fiduciary guidelines that have been provided, responding to lapses that have been observed over here so that the resources go to Nigerians.
“Twenty-three states have received those funds, and I believe that the rest of the states are just about to complete and receive their financing to channel through the PHCs.”
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa had in October 2023 said the government had put in place strategies to increase admissions into medical and dental institutions.
Dr Alausa noted that the 3,000 doctors produced annually in Nigeria was inadequate.
He highlighted that the mass exodus of licensed doctors and other health professionals to more developed countries would be discouraged by making the healthcare environment more attractive.
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will on Monday, this week, embark on the commissioning of six road projects executed in the six Area Councils in the FCT.
Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said in a statement on Sunday, that the projects commissioning will kick off tomorrow, with the newly constructed 5km Naharati- River Ukya to Unguwan Hausawa Road with three Span River Bridge in Abaji Area Council.
He said; “On Tuesday, 11km Yangoji-Sukuku-Ebo Road, in Kwali Area Council, will be commissioned while the rehabilitated 9km Paikon Kore-Ibwa Road within Gwagwalada Area Council, will be commissioned on Wednesday.
“Commissioning of the Asphalt Carriageway from Garage Junction to Local Education Authority Secretariat in Kuje Area Council is on Thursday, with that of the Gaba-Tokulo Road in Bwari Area Council, which was constructed with a two Span River Bridge is slated for Friday.
“The Access Road to Saburi I and II communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council from ONEX to Old Keffi Road near Dei-Dei International Market will be commissioned on Wednesday, January 29.”
Speaking on newly flagged off projects, the FCT Minister’s Spokesperson said; “New road projects like the construction of Kabusa-Takushara Access Road, construction of Kabusa-Ketti Access Road, access road to the new EFCC Academy site in Giri District and 15km Road from A2 Junction Abuja-Lokoja Road to Pia in Kwali Area Council are going on as, with completion date expected to be met.
“Other ongoing projects are; reconstruction of the 25km Kwaita/Yebu road in Kwali Area Council, rehabilitation of the Old Ushafa- LUD Road and Dutse-Lower Usuma Dam Dual Carriage in Bwari Area Council, construction of 11km Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council and Dakibiyu District Dual Carriage Road.
“Also ongoing are; 11km Kuje Road, Full Scope Development of 4km Arterial Road N5(Obafemi Awolowo Road) from Life Camp to Ring Road III, arterial road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road II to Ring Road III with two interchanges and 11.3km Access Road to the Judges Quarters in Katampe from Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way in Mabushi).”
News
Niger Explosion: FFS CG Warns Fuel Station Owners, Tankers Operators To Address Drivers’ Recklessness
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, has called on fuel station owners and tanker operators to take immediate action in addressing reckless driving by their drivers, especially on major roads and dangerous bends.
The call followed the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed over 60 lives and left many others severely injured.
Jaji while
speaking to journalists, reiterated the need for an urgent review of safety protocols governing fuel transportation across the nation.
The Controller-General while expressing concern over the frequent tanker explosions and fuel station incidents in the country, warned that even a small static spark or gas leak can result in rapid, deadly explosions.
Jaji who highlighted the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, noted that it has a highly fatal risk.
“Fuel vapors and leaks can ignite at any moment,” he cautioned.
He said: “Your life is worth more than a few litres of fuel,” warning that approaching a fuel spill is not only dangerous but could be fatal.
He urged the public to avoid accident sites and instead contact the Federal Fire Service for prompt intervention.
The Fire Service boss also called on Nigerians, particularly operators of fuel stations, gas refilling plants, and users of gas cylinders, to strictly follow safety measures to prevent further catastrophe.
Jaji however extended his condolences to the families affected by the recent tragedy and commended the first responders for their dedication, which he described as a testament to the nation’s resilience.
He expressed his heartfelt prayers for those grieving, asking for divine strength to help them cope with their loss.
He took the time to express the importance of prioritizing safety and public awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“Every life is precious, and we must do everything in our power to protect our citizens,” he urged.
He reiterated the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to enhancing safety awareness and called for the swift passage of the Fire Service Act of 1963, which is currently under review at the National Assembly.
He argued that the outdated law is inadequate to address current fire safety challenges and needs to be modernized to better regulate fire safety measures and reduce incidents like this in the future.
Again, NDLEA operatives have proven that there’s no hiding place for hard drug peddlers as a nursing student was nabbed over attempt to ingest 76 wraps of drugs.
Naijablitznews reports that the video clip captured the student counting such a large quantity of hard drugs she wanted to ingest.
WATCH clip below:
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