FG Clarifies FEC Decision, Says PhD Not Equivalent to Medical Fellowship in Nigeria

FG Clarifies FEC Decision, Says PhD Not Equivalent to Medical Fellowship in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has clarified that the recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) decision regarding the amendment of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College Act does not equate a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree with a medical fellowship, contrary to earlier reports circulating in sections of the media.

The clarification came from the Federal Ministry of Education following widespread interpretations suggesting that the policy would allow PhD holders to replace medical fellowship qualifications required for specialist medical practice.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, explained that the decision approved by FEC only expands the academic mandate of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).

According to the minister, the approval allows the College to seek accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to award Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in relevant medical and research disciplines.

He stressed that the reform does not replace or diminish the status of medical fellowship, which remains the highest professional qualification for specialist medical practice in Nigeria.

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“The interpretation in some media reports suggesting that a PhD would replace or be considered equivalent to a medical fellowship is incorrect,” Alausa stated.

Medical Fellowship Remains Specialist Qualification

The minister explained that medical fellowship is a distinct professional qualification awarded to physicians who successfully complete years of rigorous residency training and postgraduate medical education required for specialist clinical practice.

He noted that the Federal Government’s decision aims to strengthen academic medicine and medical research, while maintaining the existing professional pathway for training specialist doctors.

According to the ministry, enabling the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College to run PhD programmes will allow it to contribute more effectively to advanced research, academic training, and healthcare innovation in Nigeria.

“The reform simply broadens the institution’s academic scope. Alongside awarding fellowships, the College may now run PhD programmes once accredited by the NUC,” the statement explained.

Clarification Follows Controversy in Medical Community

The clarification comes after earlier media reports suggested that the government had approved a policy placing PhD qualifications on the same professional level as medical fellowships, sparking debate among medical professionals, universities, and healthcare stakeholders.

Some practitioners had raised concerns that such a move could alter the established training structure for medical specialists in Nigeria.

However, the Federal Ministry of Education said the latest clarification should address the misunderstanding and reassure stakeholders that the integrity, prestige, and professional value of medical fellowships remain fully intact.

The ministry reiterated that the government remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare education system, expanding research capacity, and maintaining global standards in medical training.

 

FG Clarifies FEC Decision, Says PhD Not Equivalent to Medical Fellowship in Nigeria