FUWUKARI Receives MBBS Accreditation: Medical School Now Open for 2025/2026

Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI) has received provisional pre-clinical accreditation for its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). The accreditation, granted following a July 3, 2025 verification visit, lifts the long-standing ban on medical student admissions.

What This Means

For FUWUKARI

• Can now admit medical students starting 2025/2026 session
• Strengthens academic standing as a center of excellence
• Joins the ranks of MDCN-accredited medical schools
• Demonstrates commitment to meeting rigorous national standards

For Prospective Medical Students

• New option for studying medicine in North-East Nigeria
• Opportunity to train closer to home (Taraba State region)
• Access to medical education in underserved region
• Graduates will be qualified to practice medicine in Nigeria

For Healthcare in Nigeria

• Addresses regional healthcare workforce shortages
• Produces doctors familiar with North-East health challenges
• Expands medical training capacity nationwide

What is Provisional Pre-Clinical Accreditation?

Pre-Clinical Phase: First 3 years of MBBS focusing on basic medical sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, etc.)

Provisional Status: Temporary approval subject to maintaining standards. MDCN will conduct follow-up visits to verify continued compliance before granting full accreditation.

Next Steps: FUWUKARI must later seek clinical phase accreditation (years 4-6) for teaching hospital-based training.

MDCN Accreditation Requirements

To receive MBBS accreditation, universities must demonstrate:

• Qualified medical faculty with appropriate credentials
• Adequate laboratory facilities for basic medical sciences
• Well-equipped anatomy dissection halls
• Functional medical library with current resources
• Teaching hospital affiliation (for clinical training)
• Compliance with MDCN curriculum standards

Impact on FUWUKARI's Reputation

MBBS accreditation is highly prestigious because:

• Medical programs face the strictest regulatory oversight
• Only universities meeting exceptional standards receive approval
• Demonstrates institutional capacity for quality professional training
• Enhances overall university credibility across all programs

For Students Considering FUWUKARI Medicine

Advantages

• New program with modern facilities and equipment
• Likely less competitive than established medical schools initially
• Federal university tuition rates (lower than private schools)
• Opportunity to be part of pioneering cohorts
• Regional focus on North-East health issues

Considerations

• Program is provisional - must maintain accreditation standards
• First graduating class won't complete until 2031 (6-year program)
• Teaching hospital partnerships still being developed
• Facilities and faculty are still being expanded

Application Process

Prospective medical students should:

1. Monitor FUWUKARI's website for Post-UTME announcements
2. Ensure JAMB score meets medical program requirements (typically 200-250+)
3. Have five O'Level credits including English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
4. Prepare for rigorous Post-UTME screening

Context: Medical Education in Nigeria

Nigeria faces a severe shortage of doctors (estimated 1 doctor per 5,000+ people vs WHO standard of 1:600). Expanding medical school capacity through institutions like FUWUKARI helps address this crisis.

The North-East region is particularly underserved, making FUWUKARI's medical program strategically important for regional healthcare development.

Congratulations to FUWUKARI on this achievement, and best wishes to the first cohort of medical students who will make history at the institution!