Health

FG Unveils Armed Forces Medical College to Close Nigeria’s Massive Doctor Gap

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on February 20th, 2026.

FG Unveils Armed Forces Medical College to Close Nigeria’s Massive Doctor Gap

In a bold move to confront one of Nigeria’s most pressing healthcare challenges, the Federal Government has announced the establishment of the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences (AFCOM&HS) — a specialised institution aimed at dramatically expanding the nation’s pool of medical professionals and tackling an estimated shortage of 340,000 doctors nationwide.

Answering a Critical Health Workforce Crisis

At a high‑level strategic meeting in Abuja, key government leaders — including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and officials from the Ministries of Defence and Education — outlined plans for the new college, which is designed to train a new generation of medical experts with skills tailored not only for civilian healthcare but also for military and emergency response settings.

Nigeria’s healthcare system has long grappled with insufficient medical personnel. With a population surpassing 240 million people, the doctor‑to‑population ratio falls far below global standards, resulting in overburdened facilities and a lack of accessible care in many regions. Within the Defence Forces alone, only 189 doctors are currently serving — a stark indicator of how strained medical resources have become.

A Strategic and Scalable Solution

The Armed Forces College will be established within the existing infrastructure of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to leverage existing facilities, reduce startup costs, and ensure efficient use of military and medical training environments. Accredited military and federal hospitals will provide clinical training, helping students gain hands‑on experience in real‑world medical settings.

Officials highlighted that the new college is part of broader efforts to lift Nigeria’s medical education capacity. Recent reforms have already doubled annual medical school admissions from 5,000 to nearly 10,000 students, with further expansion planned to almost 19,000 admissions per year in the future. The Armed Forces College is expected to become a central pillar in this expanded training ecosystem.

Training for National and Regional Impact

Unlike traditional medical schools, the AFCOM&HS will produce doctors who are well‑versed in trauma care, emergency medicine, disaster response, and military health operations, equipping graduates to serve in both defence and civilian roles. Upon graduating, cadets will be commissioned as captains in the Armed Forces, blending high‑level medical expertise with leadership and operational readiness.

The government has also set up a Technical Working Group comprising representatives from relevant ministries, regulatory councils, and educational bodies to streamline accreditation, curriculum development, and logistical planning ahead of the college’s anticipated admissions launch in late 2026.

Beyond Nigeria: A Regional Vision

Officials argue that this initiative not only serves domestic needs but also positions Nigeria as a regional centre for military medical training in West Africa. By cultivating well‑trained medical professionals, the college aims to enhance both national health security and Nigeria’s contribution to regional health resilience.

A Step Toward Healthcare Transformation

The launch of the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences signals a shift toward long‑term solutions in addressing Nigeria’s chronic healthcare workforce shortages. By combining innovation, military discipline, and expanded educational capacity, the Federal Government hopes to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled medical professionals capable of transforming healthcare delivery acros

s the country.