
The National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest Zone, has declared its support for the proposed establishment of Federal University of Medicine and Medical Services, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, saying it will improve medical profession in the country.
The student body,through its South West Deputy Coordinator, Oladimeji Uthman,also said the proposed varsity will improve admission into medical studies .
“From published research, Nigerian universities and medical institutes admits only 3000 out of over 160,000 students who apply to study medicine and other medical based courses across the country.
“This is barely two percent estimated number of applicants who are potential medical professionals that the country should be churning out annually.
“Now more than ever, the demand for medical related supports in terms of manpower (professionals), medical research and specialized medical facilities has seriously heightened.
“The doctor-patients ratio in Nigeria is alarming if compare to the WHO standard ratio. This implies that the number of practicing and resident doctors in the country can hardly cater for 10% of the country population.
“The Nigeria medical sector today is in a situation where it constitutes liability on the country’s economy more than its generated revenue.”
The students association implored the Federal government and all concerned stakeholders to throw their weight behind the actualization of the proposed first medicine and medical sciences university.