By Adamu Umar Nda
Yakubu Gowon University, formerly University of Abuja, has received a N4 billion grant from the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund under the 2026 Special Intervention for Health Professions (SHIP) programme.
The funding will support the expansion of health-related faculties, including MBBS, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing, with a focus on increasing infrastructure, student quotas, and strengthening health sciences education.
The university was selected alongside five others nationwide for the programme, which aims to enhance healthcare training and contribute to national development.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi hailed the grant as a significant achievement, promising transparent and effective use of the funds. “The SHIP programme will support our efforts to expand facilities, strengthen teaching and research, and equip our students with the skills required for modern healthcare delivery,” he said.
The grant follows a successful application by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Titus Ibekwe, on behalf of the College of Health Sciences and the University.
The selected universities for the 2026 SHIP funding are: University of Abuja (North-Central), Bayero University, Kano (North-West), Modibbo Adama University, Yola (North-East), Rivers State University, Port Harcourt (South-South), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (South-West), and Abia State University (South-East).
The funding is expected to boost the university’s capacity to provide quality training for health professionals and contribute to national development. The SHIP programme is a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and TETFund, aimed at strengthening health sciences education in Nigeria.
The university’s administration has expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education and TETFund for the grant, assuring that the funds will be used effectively to achieve maximum results.