Why Should Medical Students Spend 11 Years In University?

Someone asked me this question and I simply replied that I've not read the details of the new guideline by the NUC. I just got to find out that it's a policy that will commence this year.


The National Universities Commission has declared that any student who wants to study medicine will from now on spend a minimum of 10 years in the university.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie made the declaration in a lecture delivered at the maiden matriculation and inauguration of the University of Medical Science, Ondo State.

In a lecture titled Development of Medical Education: Prospects and Challenges, Okojie, said

the development is imperative in order to enable the students mature psychologically for the profession.

THE NUC head, who was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, said the 2015 document for the training of medical students made provision for students to spend the first four years in studying basic sciences in university after which they would proceed to the medical school to spend another seven years.

Stressing the need for adequate funding of medical training and practice, the NUC Executive Secretary urged the management of the institution to ensure that the money earmarked for the development of the institution was used for the purpose it was meant.