Kogi State’s Medical Education Gets Boost As PAAU Gets Approval For MBBS Programme.
Emmanuel Clement
In a significant milestone for medical education in Kogi State,the Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has received full approval from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to commence its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.
This development comes after a successful two-day advisory visit by MDCN officials to the university.
With this development shortly after the National Universities Commission (NUC) re-approved the MBBS program,PAAU has now secured full approval from MDCN to commence its MBBS programme, paving the way for the university to admit its first cohort of 50 medical students for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, confirmed this on Thursday, highlighting it as a major victory for healthcare and medical education in the state.
“This approval by MDCN is a game-changer. It marks the reactivation of medical training in PAAU and reinforces the state government’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare education.
“We appreciate the political support from the Chief Servant of Kogi State to make this a reality. Kogi is on track to become the epicenter of medical education in Nigeria.”he said
Dr. Adams also noted that this achievement follows the already running MBBS programme at Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, where the first cohort is currently in session.
He hinted at further expansion, revealing that the next destination for an MBBS program is Kogi State University (KSU), Kabba.
“This is a strategic push. First CUSTECH, now PAAU, and very soon KSU Kabba. We’re building a future where Kogi will not just produce doctors, but will become a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery and education,” he submitted
The reinstatement of the PAAU MBBS programme is expected to strengthen the state’s capacity to train more doctors locally, address healthcare workforce shortages, and improve the overall health outcomes for the people of Kogi State.
“Health is everything. We shall do more,” Dr. Adams assured
The Commissioner went further to thank the University community led by the Vice Chancellor, the Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital community, the Ministry of Education and all the Stakeholders that made the feat a reality
