By Oscar Okhifo
The Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences (AFCOM-HS) has been listed on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal for the 2026/2027 academic session, paving the way for the admission of its first 100 cadets.
The Federal Ministry of Defence announced the development in a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, 2026, and signed by Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Personal Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
The listing marks a key step towards the take-off of the military medical institution, which is designed to combine professional medical and health sciences education with military training and officer development.
Located within the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, the college is expected to train young Nigerians in healthcare professions while preparing them for service in the Armed Forces.
Reacting to the development, Matawalle described the listing as a significant milestone for the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, linking the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This is an important milestone for the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces. Under the leadership of Mr President, we are taking a practical step towards building the medical expertise our Armed Forces need.
“AFCOM-HS will give talented young Nigerians the opportunity to train as healthcare professionals and develop as military officers,” the minister said.
The ministry disclosed that the institution had secured approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to offer Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and Nursing Science (B.NSc.).
With the approvals in place, the college is preparing to admit its pioneer cohort of 100 cadets for a programme combining academic training, military discipline, professional ethics and leadership development.
Matawalle said the institution would help address the Armed Forces’ longstanding need for a steady supply of doctors, nurses and other military healthcare professionals.
“The health of our personnel is central to military readiness. By investing in those who will care for them, we strengthen the Services and provide a foundation for future specialist training, research and operational medicine,” he said.
The college’s location in Yaba is expected to provide access to established medical facilities and academic institutions that could support clinical training and professional development.
Beyond producing healthcare professionals, the initiative is intended to strengthen the military’s capacity to train personnel equipped to handle both conventional medical practice and the demands of military operations.
The minister commended the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa; the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; and the leadership of the Armed Forces for their support towards establishing the institution.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Director-General of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MODHIP), Brigadier General I.B. Solebo, as well as the relevant educational and professional regulatory authorities, for their technical expertise and coordination.
The ministry said details of the admission process, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, JAMB requirements, military selection processes and key dates, would be announced through authorised AFCOM-HS and JAMB channels.
It urged prospective candidates and their parents to rely on official sources for accurate information on the admission process.