The House of Representatives in Nigeria has issued a strong recommendation for the country’s tertiary health institutions, particularly university teaching hospitals, to prioritize medical research. This call was made during a budget defense session for the year 2025, highlighting the critical role of research in strengthening national health security and preparedness for public health emergencies. The representatives expressed concerns that the continued neglect of research within these institutions poses a significant risk to public health outcomes in Nigeria.

Chairman of the House Committee on Health Institutions, Patrick Umoh, underscored the worrying trend wherein many teaching hospitals have deviated from their original purpose as centers of medical research, innovation, and specialist training. Instead, they are increasingly operating as general hospitals, which is misaligned with their statutory responsibilities. This shift is particularly troubling given the global emphasis on evidence-based medicine and the necessity for robust research capabilities in healthcare settings.

Furthermore, Umoh criticized the Chief Medical Directors of these hospitals for their minimal financial commitment to research, revealing that less than one percent of their annual budgets is allocated for this purpose. He deemed this allocation unacceptable, arguing that university teaching hospitals must lead the way in advancing healthcare practices through rigorous research initiatives. The implications of neglecting research are profound, potentially endangering the country’s ability to respond effectively to health crises and improve overall public health delivery.