Amid the worrying wave of brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, which has created an acute shortage of medical personnel, the Lagos State Government is taking a bold step toward reshaping medical training in the country. This follows the recent passage of the University of Medicine and Health Sciences Bill by the Lagos State House of Assembly. The bill scaled its third reading on the floor of the House on November 20, 2025. It has now been sent to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his signature.
According to the House, the bill’s passage represents a crucial milestone expected to redefine the state’s healthcare landscape for years to come.
The lawmakers—among them Adams Noheem, Mojeed Fatai and Richard Kasunmu—steered the bill through its final stages with the conviction that Lagos must position itself as a leader in producing well-trained medical professionals. For many experts, this development is timely, coming at a moment when the country faces a disturbing shortage of health workers due to sustained brain drain.
Nevertheless, the proceedings were far from celebratory. A heavy silence fell across the chamber as reports of worsening insecurity filtered in. The Speaker, Dr Mudasiru Obasa, led the House in a minute of silence for victims of recent attacks, including the shocking killing of a serving Army General. Lawmakers expressed deep worry about the rising tide of kidnappings, such as the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi and the gruesome church killings in Ekiti.
They urged the government and security agencies to act decisively, describing the situation as “a threat to the soul of the nation.”
Nevertheless, amid these sombre reflections, the House also marked International Men’s Day and International Children’s Day. Lawmaker Omolara Olumegbon called for greater appreciation of men who “keep families together despite societal pressures.” Her colleagues agreed, with some suggesting the need for stronger policies that recognise men’s roles within families and communities.
Beyond the emotions of the day, the bigger picture for Lagos is its ambition to build a world-class medical university—one expected to emerge from the existing Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM). Governor Sanwo-Olu recently revealed that he had to exercise his veto power during a heated cabinet debate to ensure the project moved forward. According to him, the new university is a deliberate strategy to produce more doctors, nurses, and health specialists for the state.
Health Commissioner Akin Abayomi has assured that Lagos already has the infrastructure and expertise needed to run a multi-campus medical university, expected to admit its first students in the 2025/2026 academic session.
With this bill, Lagos is not just setting up another institution—it is redefining how medical education can serve a growing, pressured, and hopeful population.
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