The Federal Government has taken a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare workforce by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Achievers University, Owo, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo, Ondo State.
The tripartite agreement allows Achievers University to use FMC Owo’s facilities for the clinical training of its students in medicine, nursing, and allied health sciences. This strategic partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes collaboration between public and private institutions to address Nigeria’s critical shortage of healthcare professionals.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, described the agreement as a “timely and strategic move” to expand the country’s training capacity for medical professionals.
“This partnership supports the President’s vision to leverage private sector investment in healthcare and education,” Dr. Salako said. “We must scale up training spaces to meet the growing demand, especially as many of our health workers continue to migrate abroad.”
He added that the government is working on innovative ways to turn health workforce migration into an advantage by encouraging receiving countries to support Nigeria’s health system.
Prof. Bode Ayorinde, Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University, praised the professionalism of the Federal Ministry of Health. He noted that the nine-month approval process was transparent and followed due process without political interference.
“This MoU is more than just an agreement—it’s a commitment to delivering quality medical education,” Prof. Ayorinde said.
Also speaking, the Medical Director of FMC Owo, Dr. Hamed Liasu, confirmed that the hospital currently trains resident doctors in 11 departments accredited by both the National Postgraduate Medical College and West African colleges. He said the hospital is well-positioned to support undergraduate training in nursing, medical laboratory science, and other fields, with plans underway to upgrade it to a teaching hospital.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, representatives of Achievers University, and FMC Owo management.
