The United Kingdom Government and the World Health Organization (WHO) have handed over critical equipment and facility upgrades to health training institutions in Lagos State, marking a significant boost to Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its health workforce.
The intervention, delivered under the UK-funded Equipment Support for Health Training Institutions (ESHTI) programme, targets improved training quality for nurses, midwives and other frontline health workers,an area seen as crucial for Nigeria’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
According to a press statement, the handover in Lagos, officials from the UK Government, WHO and the Lagos State Government said the investment would transform training standards and directly benefit more than 1,000 students and faculty members across three institutions.
The support package includes two buses for student and staff transportation; digital learning tools such as computers, internet facilities, printers, photocopiers and smartboards; medical and laboratory equipment including mannequins, diagnostic tools and lab supplies; and infrastructure upgrades such as generators, air conditioners, classroom furniture, library fittings, safety equipment and hostel furnishings.
According to WHO, these upgrades are expected to improve training outcomes, increase graduation rates and better prepare health professionals for clinical practice.
Lagos—Nigeria’s most populous and economically strategic state, hosts some of the country’s busiest health institutions and training centres. Its central role in national health reforms makes it a priority hub for expanding the skilled health workforce. Beyond Lagos, the ESHTI programme is also delivering equipment to 11 additional training schools across five states, forming part of a broader UK–Nigeria partnership to strengthen health education.
Adewale Adebajo, Senior Political Adviser at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, said the programme demonstrates the UK’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system. He said the UK is proud to partner with WHO and the Lagos State Government to improve learning environments, enhance training quality, and expand the capacity of health training institutions.
WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, described the handover as a shared investment in health system resilience, noting it reflects the joint commitment of WHO, Nigeria’s Federal Government, Lagos State and the United Kingdom to strengthen the health workforce.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Sali-Hundeyin, expressed appreciation for the intervention, saying the partnership strengthens the state’s resolve to build a health system that works for its people.
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To ensure sustainability, WHO and the UK Government also facilitated training in asset management, equipment use, quality improvement and maintenance. A joint monitoring and evaluation framework will track the impact of the intervention, while collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria will help sustain and improve training quality.
The investment is expected to help Nigeria produce an adequate number of skilled health workers needed to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
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