By Danjuma Amodu | February 22, 2026
In line with Nigeria’s NESRI 6-Point Agenda and President Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the STEMM ecosystem, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said, and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mattawalle, have advanced plans to establish an Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences (AFCOM&HS) within the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Nigeria faces a critical shortage of medical professionals, particularly combat-trained doctors, with over 240 million people and just 189 medical personnel in the Defence Forces. The establishment of this College is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s health security, medical workforce, and national defence.
Medical cadets will gain admission via JAMB and be commissioned as Lieutenants or Captains upon graduation. A multi-agency Technical Working Group has been set up to ensure admissions commence by October/November 2026.
The Federal Ministry of Education remains fully committed to delivering this critical initiative, aligning with the government’s focus on strengthening healthcare and defence capabilities.
The establishment of the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences (AFCOM&HS) is expected to address the shortage of medical professionals in the Defence Forces and contribute to the overall improvement of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The College will provide training and education in various medical fields, including medicine, nursing, and other allied health sciences. The programme will be designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve in the military and civilian sectors.
The multi-agency Technical Working Group set up to oversee the establishment of the College includes representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, Nigerian Defence Academy, and other relevant stakeholders.
The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare sector and improve the welfare of Nigerians. The establishment of the AFCOM&HS is expected to create new opportunities for Nigerians, particularly young people, to pursue careers in medicine and healthcare.
The Federal Ministry of Education has assured that the necessary resources will be provided to ensure the successful establishment and operation of the College. The Ministry has also called on all stakeholders to support the initiative and contribute to its success.
The AFCOM&HS is expected to be a centre of excellence in medical education and research, providing quality training and services to the military and civilian populations.
