By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Education has clarified recent reports suggesting that a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) could replace medical fellowship qualifications at the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.
This clarification was made known in a press release signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folashade.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, explained that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, approved an amendment allowing the College to seek accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to award PhD degrees in relevant medical and research disciplines.
The Minister emphasised that the PhD programmes complement, rather than replace, medical fellowships. Medical fellowship remains a distinct professional qualification awarded to physicians who complete residency training and postgraduate education required for specialist clinical practice.
The Ministry stated: “This reform expands the College’s academic mandate. Alongside awarding fellowships, the institution may now offer PhD programmes upon accreditation by the National Universities Commission.”
According to the Ministry, the move is designed to strengthen medical research, advance academic medicine, and develop specialist knowledge, while maintaining the integrity and prestige of professional medical
fellowships.
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