Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, has emphasized the importance of postgraduate medical education in strengthening the country’s healthcare system and said the future of the Nigeria’s health sector depends on its specialists.
He made the remark at the 43rd Convocation Ceremony of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), Lagos, where 480 distinguished fellows were celebrated.
The event aimed to celebrate academic excellence and reaffirm NPMCN’s crucial role in national healthcare delivery.
Pate praised NPMCN for its over four decades of consistency in pursuing excellence and praised its founders and leaders for their dedication.
The minister pledged continuous engagement with the college and announced special funding to fast-track specialist training and reduce brain drain.
Other measures include access to technology funds, support for endowment fundraising, simulation equipment, capacity building, expanded residency training, and nationwide spread of college activities.
The minister also congratulated distinguished fellows and acknowledged the college’s strong ties with sister postgraduate medical colleges in Africa and beyond.