FG Signs MoU With GE Healthcare To Boost Capacity Of Biomedical Engineering Schools
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
In a bid to transform Nigeria’s healthcare services, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GE Healthcare and JNCI Ltd, marking a major stride towards enhancing the capacity of the nation’s Biomedical Engineering Schools.
This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalise the health sector, and make it a pivotal player in human capital development.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the MoU as a deliberate and strategic response to the challenges facing biomedical engineering in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, he emphasised the critical need for curriculum development, accreditation for both OND and HND programmes, and sustainable funding to bolster the dwindling number of biomedical engineers in the country.
“This journey has been long but essential,” Dr. Alausa explained.
“We conducted diagnostic studies to identify what our Biomedical Engineering Schools needed. Thanks to the support from GE Healthcare and JNCI, we’ve been able to upgrade our curriculum, making it more relevant and impactful.”
The MoU aims to train engineers at five key Biomedical Engineering Schools across Nigeria—in Enugu, Maiduguri, Edo, Zaria, and Lagos—ensuring they are equipped to meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector.
By focusing on accreditation, the Ministry seeks to expand opportunities for young Nigerians, empowering them to pursue careers as biomedical engineers.
Dr. Alausa highlighted how this effort will significantly reduce healthcare costs while boosting the nation’s technical expertise.
“We’re not just training engineers—we’re building a future where more young men and women have access to education and careers that will drive Nigeria forward,” the Minister noted.
“These graduates will be confident in their abilities to support the healthcare system, ultimately reducing costs and improving care.”
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to ensure the sustainability of these programmes by incorporating them into the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), paving the way for streamlined budgetary allocations in the 2025 fiscal year.
Dr. Alausa also praised the support of GE Healthcare, JNCI, and the Global Fund for their commitment to training the next generation of biomedical engineers.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, applauded the initiative, calling it a vital step in the Ministry’s broader efforts to rejuvenate Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Echoing this sentiment, the Managing Director of JNCI, Claire Omatseye, and Dr. George Uduku, General Manager of GE Healthcare, reaffirmed their dedication to the government’s vision, noting that this partnership is a testament to their shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
With this MoU in place, the future of biomedical engineering in Nigeria looks brighter, as the country moves closer to achieving a robust healthcare system capable of serving its people with efficiency and innovation.