The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to upgrade the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) into a full-fledged University of Medical and Health Sciences, in a major move to bolster healthcare education and delivery in the state.

This development was announced by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, during a ministerial press briefing at the Alausa Secretariat on Wednesday, marking the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

“The Lagos State Government has initiated the process of transforming LASUCOM into a stand-alone University of Medical and Health Sciences,” Sule stated. “This will enable us to produce better quality and a higher number of medical and allied personnel, thereby enhancing the state’s healthcare system.”

He described the initiative as a “bold step” aligned with global best practices in medical education, aimed at expanding access and improving the quality of healthcare professionals trained in Lagos.

Sule highlighted that the upgrade is part of a broader set of reforms by the Ministry of Tertiary Education, which include the creation of new departments, introduction of digital literacy programmes like Job Initiative Lagos (JIL) and Eko Digital Initiative, and international partnerships for student development.

“The goal is to prepare our students and graduates for the demands of a global economy, ensuring they are not only employable but capable of driving innovation and development,” he said.

According to Sule, over 8,000 students have benefited from digital and entrepreneurial training under JIL, while more than 5,000 youths have received skills in digital marketing, coding, and data analysis through the Eko Digital Initiative.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to producing a highly skilled workforce that will contribute meaningfully to Lagos’ socio-economic and technological advancement.