By Felix Khanoba
The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has emerged as one of six Nigerian universities selected to benefit from the 2026 Special Intervention for Health Professions (SHIP) programme, an initiative jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education (FMOE) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
According to a statement released by the institution at the weekend, the grant was secured following a successful application and bidding process led by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Titus Ibekwe, on behalf of the College and the University.
Under the intervention, UniAbuja will receive ₦4 billion to facilitate infrastructural development and the acquisition of equipment across its health-related faculties.
The 2026 SHIP intervention is targeted at strengthening programmes in medicine and surgery (MBBS), dentistry, pharmacy and nursing. The initiative is designed to expand infrastructure, increase student intake quotas and enhance the overall capacity of health sciences education nationwide.
After an extensive assessment of institutional performance, capacity and strategic needs in the health sciences, the Ministry of Education and TETFund selected six universities—comprising four federal and two state-owned institutions—for participation in the 2026 SHIP programme.
The institutions chosen for the intervention are University of Abuja in the North Central zone; Bayero University, Kano, representing the North West; Modibbo Adama University, Yola, from the North East; Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, in the South South; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in the South West; and Abia State University for the South East.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, described the selection as a “significant achievement” for the institution. He commended the leadership of the College of Health Sciences, noting that the funding would strengthen the University’s ability to deliver quality training for health professionals while contributing meaningfully to national development.
“The SHIP programme will support our efforts to expand facilities. It will also help to strengthen teaching and research, and equip our students with the skills required for modern healthcare delivery.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Education and TETFund for their confidence in the University, and we assure them that these resources will be used transparently and effectively to achieve maximum results,” Fawehinmi said.
