Nigeria, GE Healthcare, JNCI partner to Strengthen Biomedical Engineering Education
By Edward Samuel, Abuja
In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the capacity of Biomedical Engineering schools, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with GE Healthcare and JNCI Ltd.
This agreement aims to fortify the nation’s healthcare systems and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improve health sector infrastructure.
During the signing ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja the nation’s capital, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized the importance of the initiative.
“This MoU is not just a document; it signifies a strategic move towards advancing our healthcare systems,” he stated.
In a statement by the Head, Information and PR, Mr. Alaba Balogun, Dr. Alausa detailed the initiatives that led to the MoU, including curriculum development, school accreditation for OND and HND programs, and increased funding. He asserted that these measures are vital for reversing the decline in the number of biomedical engineers in Nigeria.
“The journey of signing the MoU started long ago, we conducted several meetings and diagnostic studies to understand the needs of our Biomedical Engineering Schools. Thanks to GE Healthcare and JNCI for their support in upgrading our curriculum.”
The Minister highlighted the potential benefits of the capacity-building program, stating, “Engineers from the five Biomedical Engineering Schools will receive specialized training to become proficient biomedical engineers.”
He further articulated the Ministry’s plan to ensure sustainability, mentioning the creation of Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) codes to streamline budgetary allocations for the schools in the 2025 fiscal year.
“This will guarantee that our schools operate effectively and meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector,” Dr. Alausa noted.
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom commended the initiative, calling it a vital step toward revitalizing the health sector.
“This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure optimal service delivery to the Nigerian populace,” she said.
Mrs. Claire Omatseye, Managing Director of JNCI, expressed her organization’s dedication to the project.
“We are aligned with the government’s vision to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria, and this MoU is a testament to our commitment,” she remarked.
Dr. George Uduku, General Manager of GE Healthcare, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are excited to partner in training five students from each of the Biomedical Engineering Schools located in Enugu, Maiduguri, Edo, Zaria, and Lagos.”
The signing of the MoU marks a significant step forward in addressing the skills gap in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. With the collaboration of key stakeholders, the initiative aims to produce a new generation of skilled biomedical engineers, ultimately contributing to better healthcare delivery across the nation.
“This partnership will not only enhance the skills of young engineers but also reduce the overall cost of healthcare, benefiting society as a whole, underscoring the broader implications of this educational enhancement.”
Dr. Alausa said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to fostering partnerships that promote capacity building and sustainable development in the healthcare sector, paving the way for a healthier future for all Nigerians.
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