According to Prof. Abiodun Adewuya, provost of Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, producing more health practitioners to fill the void in the health sector will mitigate the effect of the Japanese epidemic.
“Our plan is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda of Mr. Governor,” stated Adewuya, “especially since we have the facility to do that.” The agenda aims to increase the number of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists—not just in Lagos but throughout the entire country of Nigeria.
“Our top priority is to increase the number of health workers we produce in order to continue providing services to our people. Yes, a lot of individuals are departing, but we need to find their replacements. Therefore, we must increase output and create the necessary number of health workers in order to continue replacing those who are leaving.”
Speaking about LASUCOM’s accomplishments since its founding in February 1999, the provost stated that the college has expanded from having just one faculty member and one program to having five undergraduate programs available, with accreditation for further ones already obtained.
“PhD in Clinical Sciences, PhD in Dental Sciences, and PhD in Pathological Sciences will commence at LASUCOM,” he continued.
In reality, LASUCOM establishes a think-tank group within the Ministry of Health. Therefore, the majority of policies, legislation, and programs that are implemented for the people of Lagos State, as well as the majority of health laws that are in place, have their roots in the Lagos State University College of Medicine.