The Federal Government has clarified that the recently approved reform affecting the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College does not make a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) equivalent to a medical fellowship.
The clarification was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education following reports that misinterpreted a decision of the Federal Executive Council.
Read Also: FG Makes NERD Compliance Mandatory for NYSC Participation
Minister of Education Maruf Olatunji Alausa explained that the decision allows the College to seek accreditation from the National Universities Commission to award PhD degrees in relevant medical and research disciplines.
According to the minister, the reform aims to expand the academic scope of the institution while maintaining its existing specialist training programmes.
The Ministry stressed that medical fellowship remains a professional qualification for specialist clinical practice.
Authorities also stated that the change will preserve the integrity and prestige of medical fellowships while creating opportunities for advanced academic research.
The Ministry added that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health education and research capacity.
