Lagos Moves Closer to Establishing Medical University As Lawmakers Adopt Joint Committee Report
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday adopted the report of the Joint House Committee on Education (Tertiary Institutions) and Health Services on the University of Medicine and Health Sciences Bill, 2024.
The decision marks another step in the state’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and enhance tertiary education.
The report was presented during plenary by the Chairman of the House Committee on Education (Tertiary Institutions), Hon. Owolabi Ajani, who also served as co-chairman of the joint committee. While presenting the findings, Hon. Ajani highlighted key observations made during the committee’s engagements and review sessions.
He noted that the bill required clearer definitions in some sections to eliminate ambiguities—especially those relating to the governance structure, administrative duties, and academic oversight of the proposed university.
Ajani further explained that the committee benchmarked the bill against frameworks used in other medical institutions across the country, ensuring alignment with national best practices.
He also pointed out that certain provisions in the bill duplicated sections already contained in existing Lagos State laws, stressing the need for harmonisation to prevent legislative conflicts.
To address these issues, the committee recommended the restructuring and rephrasing of specific clauses for improved clarity and legal precision. It also proposed the removal of sections already covered under current laws governing the state’s tertiary education and health institutions.
The committee underscored the importance of adopting a clear and well-defined administrative structure—especially in outlining the composition, roles, and powers of the Governing Council. It further encouraged strengthened collaboration between the Ministry of Tertiary Education and relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure seamless implementation.
After deliberation, members of the House unanimously adopted the committee’s report, making it the official resolution of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
