Plans by the Nigerian government to build eight medical simulation centers across the country received a major boost on Wednesday, as it inaugurated an implementation and monitoring committee for the project.

Inaugurating the 19-member panel in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, noted that the findings of an ad-hoc committee found that Nigerian medical institutions lack functional medical simulation centers and underutilize modern training tools like virtual patients and telemedicine platforms.

The Guardian reports that the panel is chaired by renowned neurosurgeon, Prof. Wale Sulaiman.

The Minister explained that the state-of-the-art simulation centers would offer medical students and healthcare professionals a realistic and immersive learning experience, enabling them to practice and refine their skills in a safe and controlled environment.

Dr. Alausa tasked the committee with finalizing the proposal, overseeing its implementation, and establishing quality assurance measures and standard operating procedures.

Alausa, who noted that the committee was carefully selected, added that its membership “is one initial appointment of a three-year term, enabled for another three-year term as needed.”

He added: “Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey that will redefine how we prepare our students to be world-class professionals, and ultimately, how we serve our patients. In a world where healthcare demands are growing more complex and patient safety is paramount, the way we train our future doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals must evolve accordingly.”

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, explained that medical simulation was a cornerstone of modern medical education which is widely adopted in developed countries to train both students and practicing professionals.

“Our universities will greatly benefit from these interventions; they can use the simulation centers not only for training but also as hubs for innovation, developing and testing new medical devices, protocols and training models. This initiative will ultimately transform our institutions into living laboratories for healthcare advancement,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the minister for his unwavering support and commitment to TETFund and all its interventions.

Echono also noted that the establishment of these simulation centers is a crucial step towards achieving the Federal Government’s vision of making Nigeria a hub of medical excellence.

He expressed optimism that the centers would not only improve the quality of medical education but also contribute to the development of the country’s healthcare sector.

TETFund Board Chairman, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, expressed confidence that the committee, given its impressive membership, would successfully fulfill its mandate.

Responding, Prof. Sulaiman pledged that the committee would work hard to guarantee the successful rollout of the simulation centers.