The United Kingdom Government and the World Health Organization (WHO) have handed over essential equipment and upgraded facilities to health training institutions in Lagos State — a major boost to Nigeria’s efforts to build a stronger, more skilled health workforce.
The intervention, implemented under the UK-funded Equipment Support for Health Training Institutions (ESHTI) programme, aims to improve the quality of training for nurses, midwives and other frontline health workers — a critical requirement for Nigeria’s push toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
According to a press statement, officials from the UK Government, WHO and the Lagos State Government said the investment will significantly elevate training standards and benefit more than 1,000 students and faculty members across three state-owned institutions.
The support package includes:
- Transportation: Two buses for students and staff
- Digital learning tools: Computers, internet facilities, printers, photocopiers and smartboards
- Medical & laboratory equipment: Mannequins, diagnostic tools and laboratory supplies
- Facility upgrades: Generators, air conditioners, classroom and library furniture, safety equipment and hostel improvements
WHO noted that these upgrades are expected to enhance training outcomes, raise graduation rates and produce health professionals better prepared for real-world clinical practice.
Lagos — being Nigeria’s most populous and economically important state — hosts some of the busiest health institutions in the country. Its strategic role in health sector reforms makes it a priority location for expanding the skilled health workforce. Beyond Lagos, the ESHTI programme is supporting 11 additional training schools across five states, forming part of a broader UK–Nigeria effort to strengthen the nation’s health education system.
Adewale Adebajo, Senior Political Adviser at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, said the initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health reforms. He emphasized the importance of improving learning environments, boosting training quality and expanding institutional capacity.
WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, described the handover as a shared investment in health system resilience, underscoring the collective commitment of WHO, the Federal Government, Lagos State and the UK to strengthening the health workforce.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Secretary to the Government, Barr. Bimbola Sali-Hundeyin, expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that the partnership reinforces the state’s determination to build a health system that delivers quality care for its residents.
