The Lagos State Assembly is advocating for the establishment of a new medical and health sciences university in Lagos State, a move aimed at addressing the severe shortage of healthcare professionals and reducing medical tourism.

During the plenary session, members of the House debated the potential impact of the bill.

The motion, which seeks to establish a dedicated institution for medicine and health sciences, received strong support from several members.

Member representing Lagos Mainland Constituency I. Chairman, House Committee on Tertiary institutions, Ajani Owolabi, argued that the new university would significantly increase the number of students admitted into medical fields, a crucial step toward boosting the nation’s healthcare workforce.

Echoing this sentiment, Musbau Lawal stated that the establishment of the university is “very important today as it would help to curtail medical tourism and stop doctors and nurses leaving the country for greener pastures.

Nureni Akinsanya also highlighted the economic benefits of the proposal, noting that it would “provide more medical personnel and create more job opportunities for residents.

Femi Saheed underscored the urgency of the situation, citing alarming statistics: “7,855 doctors are available to treat over 25 million Lagosians.”

He emphasised that the new institution would provide more health practitioners, reduce government spending and accommodate more medical students.

Abdulkareem Jubreel described the bill as a positive move for the state’s healthcare system.

The bill’s origins were explained by Gbolahan Yishau, who said the idea came from the house’s efforts to address the problem of doctors leaving the country to search for greener pastures.

He added that the committee’s solution was to establish an institution that could produce more doctors and nurses to combat the existing shortage.

Tobun Abiodun also voiced his support, stating that the university would provide more opportunities for students who want to pursue medicine and nursing as their first-choice careers.

Following the extensive debate, the Speaker of the House, Dr. Mudashiru Obada, directed the Committee on Health and Tertiary institutions to work on the bill and present a report to the House within three weeks.