ABUJA: The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GE Healthcare and JNCI Ltd to bolster the capacity of the nation’s Schools of Biomedical Engineering.
The initiative is aimed at improving the healthcare system by addressing the dwindling number of biomedical engineers in the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, affirmed that this collaboration is a fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign promise to strengthen the health sector.
He highlighted the importance of human capital development in the nation’s progress, stating, “The actualization of this initiative attests to our commitment to improving the health sector and its infrastructure.”
The MoU, signed at the Ministry’s headquarters, focuses on curriculum development, accreditation for OND and HND programs, and infrastructure enhancement in five Schools of Biomedical Engineering located in Enugu, Maiduguri, Edo, Zaria, and Lagos.
Dr. Alausa expressed gratitude to GE Healthcare and JNCI Ltd for supporting the curriculum upgrade and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians to train as biomedical engineers.
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“The journey of signing this MoU started long ago with a series of meetings and diagnostic studies on what our Biomedical Engineering Schools need,” Dr. Alausa explained. “By upgrading the curriculum and accrediting these schools for HND programs, we are creating opportunities for millions of young men and women to train and grow in this field, which will ultimately reduce the cost of healthcare in the country.”
The Minister further announced plans to incorporate the initiative into the 2025 budget through the creation of Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) codes, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program.
Mrs. Claire Omatseye, Managing Director of JNCI Ltd, and Dr. George Uduku, General Manager of GE Healthcare, both expressed their commitment to the partnership.
They noted that their organizations align with the government’s vision to improve healthcare delivery, with a focus on equipping biomedical engineers to serve Nigeria’s growing healthcare needs.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, also lauded the initiative as part of the Ministry’s continued efforts to revitalize the health sector and improve service delivery.
This MoU marks a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system, equipping the next generation of biomedical engineers to provide essential services and contribute to the nation’s broader health goals.
