Understaffing: NMA calls for establishment of medical schools in Akwa Ibom
Nigerian Medical Association Calls for Increased Medical Training Institutions in Akwa Ibom
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Akwa Ibom State government to establish a minimum of seven medical training institutions within the state.
NMA Chairman Professor Aniekan Peter made the recommendation during a press briefing in Uyo on Tuesday. He emphasized the need to address the ongoing shortfall of medical professionals in Akwa Ibom, noting that the state has consistently failed to meet its employment quotas for medical workers.
“If there are vacancies for 100,000 teachers in the state, they could be filled immediately,” Peter stated. “However, despite the state governor, Umo Eno, approving employment for 400 doctors, we were unable to fill those positions. This indicates a significant issue.”
Professor Peter further highlighted challenges in recruiting nursing staff, sharing that attempts to hire 700 nurses initially failed until some hiring criteria were relaxed.
He urged the government to rethink its priorities and recognize medical education as an essential means of empowerment. While he acknowledged the establishment of a medical school at Akwa Ibom State University, he argued that this measure is insufficient compared to other states, such as Delta, which has four training institutions.
“We appreciate the governor’s approval for the medical school, but with only one institution in Akwa Ibom, we are at just 25% of what we need,” he added. “For Akwa Ibom to attain a prominent status, we must view medical education as empowerment and aim to establish at least seven medical schools.”
Peter noted that existing structures and facilities throughout the state could be repurposed into training institutions to support this initiative.
