FG Spends ₦110bn to Train Doctors, Curb Medical Brain Drain – TETFund Chair
The Federal Government has set aside ₦110 billion to train medical personnel and provide simulation technology aimed at tackling Nigeria’s deepening healthcare challenges.
Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Aminu Bello Masari, disclosed this on Wednesday while commissioning projects at the Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State.
Masari said the investment will be implemented over five years as part of the agency’s effort to strengthen medical education in Nigerian universities.
“Beginning in 2025, in alignment with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Fund has refocused its High Impact Intervention towards strengthening medical education in our universities,” Masari said. “To this end, ₦110 billion has been allocated this year to improve the training of medical personnel and introduce cutting-edge simulation technology—addressing the urgent shortage of healthcare professionals across the country.”
He added that the long-term goal is to reduce the number of Nigerians seeking treatment abroad and limit the migration of health professionals.
“This strategic investment will be maintained over the next five years as part of a broader effort to revitalise the health sector, reduce medical tourism, and stem the tide of brain drain among Nigerian health professionals. We will continue to work closely with our beneficiary institutions to ensure these interventions translate into lasting, transformative outcomes for national development,” he said.
Masari also revealed that the projects commissioned at the Babura university cost ₦5.8 billion. He said the fund would continue supporting institutions to carry out projects that make them globally competitive.
“Four years ago, the Federal Government of Nigeria established four new specialized universities to expand access to quality education, address the skills gap, improve healthcare, accelerate technology, and promote equity in higher education. The Federal University of Technology, Babura, is one of them,” he explained.
He stated that between 2021 and now, the university has received ₦11.3 billion in TETFund allocations for infrastructure, out of which it has accessed about 75.4 percent.
“With the continued prudent utilization of these funds, the University is well positioned to assert itself as a leader in research and technology—its core thematic areas,” he said.
He added that TETFund’s support also includes research, content development, journal publications, academic conferences, staff training, entrepreneurship, and skills development.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, who was represented by his technical adviser Buhari Mika’ilu, acknowledged the federal government’s role in funding the completed projects.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s governing council, Prof. Ignatius Onimawa, noted that without TETFund, many institutions in the country would be “glorified secondary schools.”
According to him, “Since inception, TETFund has been a critical catalyst in revamping institutions and advancing learning in the country.”
He added that the fund has had a lasting impact on the Federal University of Technology, Babura—not just in infrastructure but also in research and innovation.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sabo Ibrahim, listed the newly commissioned projects to include a deanery and lecture halls, academic building, library, and departmental buildings.
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