The Federal Government has clarified that the Federal Executive Council’s 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, gave the clarification in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry.
Alausa said the clarification became necessary following reports suggesting 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 allows the college to seek accreditation from the National Universities Commission, NUC, to award PhD degrees in relevant medical and research disciplines.
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According to him, some reports had incorrectly suggested that the PhD degree would replace or be considered equivalent to a medical fellowship.
The minister emphasised that a medical fellowship remains a distinct and higher professional qualification in clinical practice.
He explained that a fellowship is awarded to physicians who have successfully completed rigorous residency training and other postgraduate medical education requirements for specialist practice.
Alausa said the FEC decision simply expands the academic mandate of the college.
He explained that, 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.
The minister added 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, the approach will strengthen 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 said the reform introduces an additional academic pathway that complements the existing professional training structure.
He added that the 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.
NAN
