President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the conversion of the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy in Enugu into a full-fledged University of Allied Health Sciences. This decision is part of a larger effort to reform the healthcare sector in Nigeria and improve the delivery of healthcare services throughout the country.
The Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy in Enugu will now be officially known as the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu. It will be under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The conversion is aimed at enhancing the training and education of healthcare professionals in the field of allied health sciences. By establishing a dedicated university for allied health sciences, the government hopes to foster excellence in this sector and produce skilled professionals who can contribute effectively to the healthcare system in Nigeria.
Health Reforms: The decision to upgrade the dental college is part of a broader set of health reforms being implemented in Nigeria. These reforms include an ambitious plan to train 120,000 frontline health workers across the country within a span of 16 months. Additionally, the government is actively working to increase the number of primary health facilities and boost the graduation rate of health personnel from nursing and midwifery institutions.
President Tinubu’s role as the African Union Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership underscores the importance of investing in healthcare education and training. The conversion of the Enugu dental college into a university for allied health sciences aligns with this vision and represents a significant step forward in the country’s healthcare sector.
By expanding educational opportunities in the field of allied health sciences, Nigeria is taking a proactive approach to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. This move will ultimately contribute to the improvement of healthcare services and the overall well-being of the Nigerian population.
