Abuja: The Federal Government has clarified that the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval to amend the Act of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria does not equate PhD degrees with medical fellowship qualifications. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, provided this clarification in a statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Alausa stated that the clarification became necessary after reports suggested that PhD degrees would be placed on the same level as fellowship qualifications in medical practice. He explained that the approval granted by FEC, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, only permits the college to seek accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to award PhD degrees in relevant medical and research disciplines.
Alausa emphasized that some reports had incorrectly suggested that the PhD degree would replace or be considered equivalent to medical fellowship. He highlighted that medical fellowship remains a distinct and higher professional qualification in clinical practice, awarded to physicians who have successfully completed rigorous residency training and other postgraduate medical education requirements for specialist practice.
The minister further clarified that the FEC decision expands the academic mandate of the college. Upon accreditation by the NUC, the institution would be able to offer PhD programmes for candidates interested in advanced academic research alongside professional medical training. Alausa noted that physicians undergoing postgraduate medical training could also have the option of integrating a structured doctoral research pathway with their fellowship programmes where appropriate.
According to him, this approach will enhance Nigeria’s capacity for high-level medical research, academic medicine, and specialist knowledge development while preserving the integrity and prestige of professional medical fellowships. Alausa added that the reform introduces an additional academic pathway that complements the existing professional training structure.
The minister concluded that this move reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening postgraduate medical education, expanding opportunities for advanced research and innovation, and aligning Nigeria’s specialist medical training with global best practices.