The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced the upgrade of certain medical-related university programmes, including Pharmacy, Optometry, and Physiotherapy, from bachelor’s to doctoral status.
As a result, the duration of these programmes will now extend from five to six years to accommodate additional courses and clinical training.
Improved Curriculum for Better Training
The NUC explained on Wednesday that the decision aims to integrate more clinical and practical sessions, enhance foundational course coverage, improve clinical skills, and comprehensively address specialty areas.
This development is expected to elevate the quality of medical education and research in Nigeria, aligning the country with global best practices in training professionals in these fields.
A statement from the Commission outlined the updated programmes as follows:
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
These programmes are included in the NUC’s Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) and Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).
Clarification on Medical Laboratory Science
The Commission also clarified that the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (DMLS) programme does not exist in the BMAS or CCMAS and is not recognized as an upgraded programme. Consequently, MLSD is not an approved offering in any Nigerian university.
This move reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring high standards in medical education while keeping stakeholders informed.
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