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

No Scrapping of JAMB: FG Dismisses Viral Rumours

The Federal Government has firmly dismissed viral social media claims suggesting that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been scrapped as a requirement for tertiary institution admissions in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Education described the reports as false, misleading, and entirely unfounded, stressing that Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board remains the statutory authority responsible for coordinating admissions into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions nationwide.

The Ministry clarified that no policy decision has been taken by the Federal Government to abolish JAMB or remove it from the admission process. It urged prospective candidates, parents, and guardians to ignore the rumour and rely solely on official government communications.

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According to the statement, JAMB continues to play a central role in ensuring transparency, fairness, and standardisation through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

“The attention of the Ministry has been drawn to misleading information suggesting that JAMB has been scrapped. This is not true. There is no such directive from the Federal Government,” the statement said.

The Ministry warned individuals and platforms spreading fake news to desist, noting that such misinformation creates unnecessary anxiety among candidates preparing for admission and undermines confidence in the education system.

Candidates were encouraged to continue registration and admission processes strictly in line with JAMB guidelines and instructions from accredited institutions.

Education stakeholders also cautioned against the spread of unverified reports, emphasizing that any major reform to Nigeria’s admission framework would be formally announced through official channels.

The clarification comes as registration activities for the 2026 academic admission cycle continue, with authorities reiterating their commitment to improving access, credibility, and efficiency in higher education admissions across the country.

No Scrapping of JAMB: FG Dismisses Viral Rumours

Reasons Behind UniAbuja’s Expulsion of 28 Students, Withdrawal of 15 Certificates

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja), now renamed Yakubu Gowon University, has expelled 28 students and revoked certificates of 15 graduates following findings of serious academic and disciplinary violations.

The decision was made at the 191st Regular Meeting of the University Senate held on Thursday, January 28, 2026, after reviewing reports and recommendations from the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC).

Reasons for Expulsion and Certificate Withdrawal

According to a statement signed by Dr. Habib Yakoob, Acting Director of Information and University Relations, the students were found guilty of offences including threats to life, physical assault, examination malpractice, conspiracy, burglary, theft, cult-related activities, possession and use of hard drugs, and falsification of O’Level results submitted during admission. Some students also failed to appear before the committee despite repeated invitations.

The 15 graduates had their certificates withdrawn for similar non-compliance, rendering their credentials null and void. Meanwhile, nine students were cleared after investigations, and 33 others received formal warnings for infractions including conspiracy, hostel racketeering, and fighting.

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University’s Commitment to Discipline

The Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to maintaining a safe, disciplined, and conducive learning environment. He emphasised that academic integrity is a core principle and that violations would be sanctioned without compromise.

Professor Fawehinmi praised the SDC for its thorough and diligent handling of cases and urged students to conduct themselves responsibly to safeguard their academic futures. He also highlighted ongoing university initiatives, including student engagement, counselling, and orientation programmes, aimed at preventing misconduct and promoting responsible citizenship and academic excellence.

The university described the actions as part of a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct, reinforcing its commitment to upholding high moral and academic standards on campus.

Reasons Behind UniAbuja’s Expulsion of 28 Students, Withdrawal of 15 Certificates