Afreximbank, Kings College Sign MoA to Establish Medical, Nursing Schools in Abuja

Dike Onwuamaeze

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the King’s College, London  yesterday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that set the stage for  the feasibility of establishing a state-of-the-art medical and nursing school alongside the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja.

A press release that was issued yesterday by Afreximbank said that the scoping study is expected to commence forthwith and will be completed by May 2024.

The signing ceremony, which took place on November 24, at the Strand Campus of King’s College London, marked another milestone in Afreximbank’s efforts toward a positive transformation of Africa’s healthcare sector, the bank said.

Speaking on the MoA, the President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, said: “Today marks a historic milestone as we proudly unveil a transformative partnership with King’s College London.

“This collaborative effort goes beyond a partnership; it represents a bold step towards an empowered healthcare landscape, defining a new era for the continent.

“The establishment of a cutting-edge medical and nursing school is a significant stride towards ensuring that Africa possesses the expertise and resources to meet its own healthcare needs.

“With the support of King’s College London, this partnership holds the potential to transform Africa’s healthcare sector, delivering quality healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, and scientists not only for Africa but for the world.

“Together, we embark on a journey that not only bridges the healthcare gap but also redefines the standards of medical education in Africa.”

Speaking in the same vein, the Deputy Vice President, Global Business Development at King’s, Dr. Helen Bailey, expressed the organisation’s commitment to be in service to society.

“This couldn’t be clearer than in our work to help address global challenges through partnerships and collaborations, such as this project to support access to high quality healthcare in Nigeria and Africa.

“ The signing of the MoA marks a key step in our partnership with Afreximbank and further strengthens this commitment,”  she said.

Also, the Senior Vice President (Health & Life Sciences) at King’s Prof. Richard Trembath, said: “Our shared vision is rooted in the belief that health and education are foundational pillars for thriving communities.

“Combining our expertise and resources, we strive to create a ripple effect, influencing positive change in the healthcare landscape and contributing to the overall prosperity of African societies.

“Through the development of the medical and nursing schools, we aspire to set new benchmarks in health-related excellence and support academic enrichment. Together, we seek to enable an enduring impact for well-being of populations across the African continent.”

Similarly, the Director of Medical Education at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Medical Director for Nigeria and West Africa with King’s Commercial, Dr. Tunji Lasoye, said that he was delighted that King’s College London and Afreximbank  signed the MoA to test the feasibility of establishing a medical and nursing school in Abuja, Nigeria.

 The statement added that the project would draw on King’s world-leading insight and expertise in healthcare education and training to create a model that would benefit the entire African continent.

It said: “The partnership builds on King’s long-standing commitment to Africa and a legacy of working in collaboration, to deliver education and impactful research partnerships in the region for the benefit of all.”

It noted that Afreximbank had been at the forefront of the drive to transform Africa’s healthcare landscape by facilitating the emergence of world-class medical infrastructure across the continent.