The Lagos State Government has confirmed that the establishment of a medical university is in its final stages.

The Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) in Ikeja is expected to be upgraded to the Lagos State University of Health and Medical Sciences.

This development will expand the number of state-owned universities in Lagos from one to four, joining the existing Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), and Lagos State University of Education (LASUED). Over the past three years, the state has successfully transitioned its polytechnic in Ikorodu and colleges of education in Ijanikin and Epe into universities.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the advancement during the Lagos Physical Planning Summit, where he discussed the importance of utilizing his veto power to expedite state initiatives. He highlighted the need for a medical university to address the shortage of qualified medical professionals in the state, a point that sparked debate during cabinet meetings.

The transition of LASUCOM to a full-fledged university follows recent tensions between the medical college’s management and that of LASU. The state government is managing the upgrade, which has reportedly caused friction within the university.

Nonetheless, stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, have expressed their support for the initiative, which aims to commence admissions in the 2025/2026 academic session.