The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof. Francis Faduyile, has called for deliberate investment in medical education to transform the nation’s healthcare system.

He stated this at the recent ninth Felix Dosekun Memorial Lecture organised by the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) with the theme, ‘Quality Medical Education as a Pillar for Achieving Universal Health Coverage.’

The event formed part of activities marking the College Week 2026.

Faduyile stated that the nation’s ambition to provide accessible and affordable healthcare depends on the competence and capabilities of health professionals.

“We must invest deliberately in medical education, not simply as an academic obligation. We must also invest in research and digital infrastructure.

“We must create a health system of retaining the professionals that we train. We must review the curricula, invest in community based education and primary healthcare exposure. We must do more digital and AI simulation and faculty development,” he said.

He advised medical educators to be teachers, mentors and innovators.

“There is also a need for critical thinking. We must tailor our medical education towards our environment. Every student that we teach represents a potential multiplier of our impact on society.”

He also advised medical students to develop the habit of lifelong learning, critical thinking, professionalism and leadership.

On his part, CMUL Provost, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, argued that if investments in healthcare are matched by the availability of properly trained professionals, Universal Health Converge would ultimately be achieved.

Former president of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Prof. Akin Osibogun, lauded the institution for contributing to medical training and development of professionals who have served in different capacities.

Chairman of the event publicity committe, Prof. Udoka Okafor, also advocated greater investment in medical education and healthcare infrastructure.

Okafor, who is also the Chairman College of Medicine Alumni Association, urged professionals who travel abroad to acquire skills and  consider leveraging the experience  to boost the nation’s healthcare development.