The College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), has emphasised the importance of quality medical education and a competent health workforce in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
The Provost of the college, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, made the assertion at the 9th Felix Dosekun Memorial Lecture, organised mark the grand finale of the college’s 2026 Week on Thursday in Lagos.
The lecture had the theme: “Quality Medical Education as a Pillar for Achieving Universal Health Coverage.”
Oremosu said UHC was an ambitious but achievable goal aimed at ensuring that every citizen had access to quality healthcare without financial hardship, adding that competent healthcare professionals were essential to translating investments into meaningful health outcomes.
He said medical education must continuously evolve to address Nigeria’s changing health needs, including emerging diseases, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health challenges and gaps in primary healthcare.
The Provost said the Felix Dosekun Memorial Lecture had remained an important platform for discussing medical education, public policy and healthcare development since its establishment to honour the late medical educationist.
“Each lecture has produced a communique that has guided public policy, informed curriculum review and contributed to national health discourse,” he said.
Prof. Francis Faduyile, a Guest Lecturer and Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, said that quality of healthcare delivery was directly influenced by the quality of professionals produced by medical institutions.
Faduyile called for a shift from doctor-centred medical education to a health-system-centred approach that equips professionals with clinical, public health, leadership, communication and technological competencies.
He urged medical schools to expose students to communities, primary healthcare, disease prevention, research and other realities affecting Nigerians beyond tertiary healthcare facilities.
Faduyile also advocated the integration of artificial intelligence, digital health, telemedicine, electronic medical records and health-data analytics into medical education.
“We must train doctors not merely for the healthcare system we inherited, but for the healthcare system our population will need tomorrow,” he said.
He described investment in medical education as an investment in Nigeria’s health future, urging government, medical schools and other stakeholders to collaborate in producing competent, compassionate and adaptable health professionals.
Prof. Udoka Okafor, Chairman of publicity for thie event, urged increased investment in healthcare and medical education to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
Okafor, also Chairman, College of Medicine Alumni Association, decried that many Nigerian medical professionals were leaving the country for better opportunities abroad, stressing the need to address insecurity, economic challenges and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
He advised young professionals travelling abroad to acquire additional skills and experience and return to contribute to Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly by investing in underserved rural communities.
In his goodwill message, Prof. Akin Osibogun, an alumnus of the college and former Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), described CMUL as a “great college” that had produced great men and women.
The event featured the presentation of awards to outstanding personalities who had served the college for 35 years and beyond, in recognition of their service to the institution.
