The Federal Government has approved a change that allows the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College to apply to run Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes in relevant medical and research disciplines, while clarifying that the degree will not replace medical fellowship qualifications.
The approval was granted by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as part of amendments to the Act governing the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College.
Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the decision enables the College to seek accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to award PhDs in medical and research fields.
According to him, the move expands the academic mandate of the institution but does not alter the status of medical fellowship.
“The approval granted by Council enables the College to seek accreditation from the National Universities Commission to award Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in relevant medical and research disciplines,” Alausa said.
He stressed that some reports suggesting that a PhD would replace or be equivalent to medical fellowship were incorrect.
“Medical fellowship remains a distinct professional qualification in clinical practice, awarded to physicians who complete rigorous residency training and postgraduate medical education required for specialist practice,” the minister explained.
Medical fellowships are currently awarded by recognised institutions such as the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and the West African Postgraduate Medical College.
For years, medical professionals have argued that fellowships should carry academic recognition comparable to PhDs, particularly within universities. The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has previously raised concerns about discrimination against clinical lecturers without PhDs during academic promotions and appointments.
However, the education ministry said the latest reform simply allows the College to offer both fellowships and PhD programmes once the required NUC accreditation is secured.
