Nigerian medical students set to start spending 7 years in the university

National Universities Commission (NUC) has developed new Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards for training of doctors in universities with medical program now extended to 7 years duration. The Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Julius Okojie, presented the reviewed curriculum to the stakeholders at a 3-day capacity development program for staff of medical schools in Nigerian universities.

He said the new benchmark minimum academic standard was competency-based and would substantially address most of the challenges faced the institutions in the training of doctors in the country. Okojie noted that those that people trust their lives must be adequately trained and competent to discharge their responsibilities efficiently. He said the workshop was to enable the stakeholders brainstorm as well as fine- tune the draft document.