According to the National Universities Commission (NUC), certain medical-related programs in Nigerian universities have been promoted from bachelor’s to PhD degrees. This was revealed by the NUC in a statement that was signed by Mrs. Franca Elochi Chukwuonwo, its Acting Director of Public Affairs.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
The statement claims that the decision was motivated by the need to increase the number of clinical and practical sessions, improve the coverage of basic courses, improve clinical skills, and thoroughly cover all specialized areas. The improvement is in line with international best practices for educating professionals in these domains, the commission added.
The impacted programs’ duration has been increased from five to six years as part of the modifications to make room for more coursework and clinical training. However, the statement, which was titled “Clarification on Nomenclature Change and Upgraded Programs from Bachelor’s Degree to Doctor Status in Nigerian Universities,” disclosed that no Nigerian university has authorized the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (DMLS) program.
The full statement reads as follows: “The National Universities Commission upgraded programs from Bachelor’s Degree to Doctor (Bachelor’s Degree with clinical sessions) Status in Nigerian Universities, recognizing the need to stay up to date with global perspectives on programs and course delivery in the university education space.
The desire to include more clinical/practical sessions, adequately cover foundation courses, enhance clinical skills, and cover all specialty areas led to the push to elevate some medical-related programs from bachelor’s degrees to doctorates (bachelor’s degrees with clinical sessions).
Additionally, the trend aims to conform to international best practices that are relevant to professional training in these medical-related programs. Additionally, the credentials earned through the Nigerian University System may be comparable to those earned through comparable programs in other countries. In terms of certificate evaluation, employability, and subsequent studies in the pertinent fields, this will guarantee the necessary harmonization, mutuality, and worldwide competitiveness of Nigerian graduates.
Programs that have been upgraded: The programs listed below, which are included in NUC’s Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) and Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS), have been elevated from Bachelors Degree to Doctor Status Bachelors Degree with clinical sessions:
O.D. Doctor of Optometry, Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), and Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT). Program duration: In order to accommodate the additional courses and clinicals added to the curriculum, the above programs’ duration was extended from five to six years. In conclusion:
This notice is intended to alert the public and all interested parties that the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (DMLS) program is not included in the NUC’s BMAS or CCMAS and has not been recognized as an upgraded program. As a result, MLSD is not an authorized program offered by any university in Nigeria.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
