Education
NUC Elevates Medical Programmes In Nigerian Universities To Doctorate
By Gideon Ayeni

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced the elevation of several medical-related degree programmes in Nigerian universities from bachelor’s to doctorate levels, marking a major shift in the nation’s higher education framework.
Franca Chukwuonwo, Acting Director of Public Affairs for the NUC, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, emphasizing that the upgrade of the medical programmes aims to strengthen clinical training, enhance foundational coursework, and cover all specialty areas comprehensively. This initiative aligns with global best practices for medical education and professional development.
The affected programmes now include Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Doctor of Optometry (OD). In line with the expanded curriculum and increased clinical sessions, the duration for completing these degrees will extend from five to six years.
The NUC described the move as a strategic effort to boost the quality and professionalism of healthcare education in Nigeria, ensuring that graduates meet international standards and improve service delivery in their respective fields.
This significant reform is expected to reshape the landscape of medical education, providing students with more robust training and positioning them to compete effectively in the global healthcare sector.
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