FG to Establish Armed Forces Medical College to Tackle 340,000 Doctor Shortfall

The Federal Government has announced plans to set up the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences (AFCOM&HS) as part of measures to address Nigeria’s estimated deficit of 340,000 doctors and strengthen healthcare services within the military. The decision was reached after a high-level meeting involving the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Suiwaba Ahmed; and the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, alongside other key stakeholders in the education, defence, and health sectors. In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the government noted that Nigeria’s population has surpassed 240 million, yet only 189 medical personnel are currently serving in the Armed Forces. The situation, it said, underscores the urgent need for innovative and scalable medical training solutions. The proposed college is intended to serve as a strategic national intervention to strengthen military healthcare delivery, close manpower gaps within the Armed Forces, and expand the country’s overall medical training capacity. It is also expected to position Nigeria as a leading centre for military medical education in West Africa. As part of ongoing reforms, the government revealed that annual medical school admissions have increased from about 5,000 to nearly 10,000, with plans to raise the figure to approximately 19,000 in the coming years. The new institution will contribute to this expansion by producing combat casualty-trained doctors, surgeons, trauma specialists, emergency response medics, military public health experts, disaster response professionals, and other allied health workers. The initiative aligns with the administration’s broader education reform agenda, particularly its focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical sciences. In compliance with the Federal Government’s seven-year moratorium on new tertiary institutions and in line with directives from President Bola Tinubu, the college will operate within the existing framework of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Clinical training will be conducted in accredited federal and military hospitals, while admissions will be processed through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Upon graduation, medical cadets will be commissioned as Captains in the Armed Forces. To ensure compliance and maintain standards, a Technical Working Group made up of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, Nigerian Defence Academy, MODHIP, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the National Universities Commission, JAMB, and other regulatory agencies has been constituted. The government stated that necessary arrangements are underway for the first batch of students to commence studies by October or November 2026.

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Soludo Urges South-East Youths To Join Armed Forces, End Self-Marginalisation

Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has called on youths in the South-East to end what he described as deliberate self-marginalisation by enlisting in the Nigerian Armed Forces and taking active roles in national institutions. Soludo made the call in Awka during the wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Reflecting on the 56th anniversary of the end of the Nigerian Civil War, the governor described the conflict as avoidable and said the spirit of “no victor, no vanquished” must continue to define Nigeria’s unity. He said the event was organised to honour all Nigerians who lost their lives while serving the country, both during the civil war and in subsequent years. “We are remembering not just members of our armed forces who died during that needless war, but all those who paid the supreme price afterwards,” he said. “This is the time we have set aside as a nation to remember and to say: never again.” Soludo paid tribute to widows, widowers and families of fallen heroes, and commended serving military and security personnel, particularly those deployed in Anambra State, for their dedication to maintaining peace. Addressing the South-East directly, the governor expressed concern over the low number of Anambra indigenes within Nigeria’s security architecture, describing it as self-inflicted exclusion from national decision-making and influence. He urged young people to see military service as a legitimate avenue to contribute to the country and secure their place within it. “We must participate as co-owners of Project Nigeria,” he said, stressing that the civil war ended over five decades ago and that the region must fully reintegrate into all national structures. On the prevailing insecurity in the region, Soludo appealed to those engaged in violent agitation to abandon such actions and embrace peace. “The era of terror is over, and I call on our brothers in the bushes to come out,” he said. “We will help you to become useful citizens of the state. To Ndi Anambra and the rest of the South-East, this is the time to remind ourselves that the war has ended.” The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security commanders in Anambra State for their efforts, expressing confidence that the long-standing security challenges would soon be decisively addressed.

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Vice President Shettima Represents Tinubu at 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony held at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja. President Tinubu is in the United Arab Emirates attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). The AFCRD, organised annually by the Ministry of Defence, honours Nigerian military personnel who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. This includes those who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations, particularly in the fight against terrorism. The event also celebrates living veterans and provides an opportunity to rally financial and moral support for their welfare, as well as for the families of fallen service members. While Remembrance Day is observed worldwide, Nigeria’s commemoration has a unique history. Initially marked on November 11 in line with other Commonwealth nations, the date was later moved to January 15 to mark the end of the Nigerian Civil War and reflect the country’s own historical journey. The 2026 ceremony comes at a time of notable security gains by the Armed Forces in the North-East and other regions. It recognises the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of officers and soldiers working to maintain peace and security for Nigerians. The Federal Government reiterated its appreciation for these gallant personnel and called on citizens, organisations, and the private sector to continue supporting service members, especially wounded soldiers and families of fallen heroes.

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DHQ Renames Armed Forces Remembrance Day to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day

The Defence Headquarters has officially changed the name of Armed Forces Remembrance Day to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, confirmed the change on Thursday, explaining that it reflects the dual purpose of the event: to honour both serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and those who lost their lives defending the nation. “January 15 is set aside each year by the Federal Government to recognise the dedication of active personnel and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the lives and property of its citizens,” Uba said. He added that the annual event is preceded by a week of activities and concludes with a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony on January 15. “Previously called ‘Armed Forces Remembrance Day,’ the new name, ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day,’ better captures the essence of the occasion — celebrating the living while honouring the fallen,” Uba explained. The general also urged media organisations to adopt the new name in all future coverage. “We call on the media to use ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’ in reporting. We appreciate their continued support in the fight against insecurity and look forward to deeper collaboration,” he said. Historically, the event has focused mainly on commemorating fallen soldiers, with wreath-laying ceremonies across the country. The renaming reflects the military’s intention to balance remembrance with recognition of active-duty personnel.

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