The National Universities Commission (NUC) has upgraded several medical-related programmes in Nigerian universities from Bachelor’s degree to doctoral status. The commission’s Acting Director of Public Affairs, Franca Chukwuonwo, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for enhanced clinical and practical training. The affected programmes include Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Doctor of Optometry (O.D).

According to the NUC, the decision aligns with global best practices aimed at improving the quality of training for healthcare professionals. The upgrade will allow for a more comprehensive curriculum that enhances foundational knowledge, clinical skills, and specialty coverage. The commission stressed that the change will ensure graduates are better equipped to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector.

As part of the new structure, the duration of the upgraded programmes has been extended from five to six years. This extension will provide room for additional courses and more intensive clinical sessions, ensuring students gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of their respective fields. The NUC highlighted that the changes are reflected in its Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) and Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).

The commission urged universities to implement the new academic structure promptly to align with the revised standards. It also called on stakeholders in the education and healthcare sectors to support the transition, which is expected to produce highly skilled professionals capable of contributing to improved healthcare delivery in Nigeria.