The president has instructed the immediate enhancement of both infrastructure and equipment in these institutions.

Among them are prominent institutions such as the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Surulere and the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria. Additionally, six teaching hospitals have been designated for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centers, with each facility set to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.

The advancements align with the administration's vision of revitalizing the health and social welfare sector, ensuring that top-notch cancer diagnosis and care are accessible to all Nigerians, as stated in a release by the Presidency. The statement, titled 'President Tinubu approves immediate upgrade of key health infrastructure across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones,' was signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

In addition to LUTH and ABUTH, the other four teaching hospitals include the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Edo State, University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital in Enugu State, Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina, and University of Jos Teaching Hospital in Plateau State.

Tinubu has also given the green light for vital healthcare service expansion initiatives in the domains of radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization in 10 hospitals spread across all geopolitical zones.

These hospitals include Reference Hospital in Kaduna (North-West) — focusing on radiology, clinical pathology, medical, and radiation oncology; Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex in Enugu (South-East) — emphasizing radiology, clinical pathology, medical, and radiation oncology; Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto (North-West) — specializing in diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization; University College Hospital in Ibadan (South-West) — with a focus on diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization; and University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in the South-South — concentrating on radiology and clinical pathology.

Additional hospitals earmarked for these healthcare service expansions include Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi (North-East) — with a focus on radiology and clinical pathology; Federal Medical Centre in Asaba (South-South) — emphasizing radiology and clinical pathology; Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex in Ilorin (North-Central) — concentrating on radiology and clinical pathology; Jos University Teaching Hospital in Jos (North-Central) — specializing in radiology and clinical pathology; and Federal Medical Centre in Nguru (North-East) — with a focus on radiology and clinical pathology.

Ngelale mentioned that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, will execute a comprehensive upgrade of cancer-treatment infrastructure and other essential developments. This includes the full renovation and expansion of previous investments, aiming to enhance widespread access to high-quality healthcare nationwide.

"These vital projects, slated for completion within 12-18 months, will enhance screening and diagnostics for both communicable and non-communicable diseases, reduce mortality rates, and improve outcomes for non-communicable diseases," he added.

These initiatives are anticipated to generate substantial employment opportunities for clinical, administrative, and managerial personnel across Nigeria's six geo-political zones. Concurrently, they will enhance the capacity of clinical personnel in advanced procedures, diagnostics, and treatment modalities, aligning with the administration's focus on eight priority areas.