By Laraba MUREY
The Federal Government says it will reopen the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, closed since 2010, to boost training for traditional medicine practitioners.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced this on Monday in Abuja at the 2025 African Traditional Medicine Day, themed “Strengthen the Evidence Base for Traditional Medicine.”
He also launched a Strategic Plan of Action and a Code of Ethics for practitioners, describing them as roadmaps for safety and standard practice.
“Our goal is to document, standardise and integrate evidence-based traditional medicine into Nigeria’s health system,” Salako said. “Evidence is the bridge between belief and policy. Traditional and modern medicine are not rivals but allies.”
The minister added that the initiative would create jobs and open opportunities for local manufacturers. “Nigeria is ready to lead Africa in advancing indigenous health solutions backed by science,” he said.
Salako also confirmed that all 36 states and the FCT had been directed to establish traditional medicine departments or boards. “This is not a federal effort alone; it is a national effort,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, represented by her aide, Dr. Dogara Okara, said the new ethics code would promote discipline among practitioners. “This code will guide them to uphold integrity, accountability and patient care. It will also set standards to ensure safety and quality for patients,” she noted.
Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organization, Dr. Hamzat Omotayo said: “Every year since 2003, African Traditional Medicine Day has reminded us of its vital role in healthcare. But we must strengthen evidence-based practice and regulation if we want global recognition.”
He added, “The COVID-19 pandemic showed that Africa must not ignore its own solutions. Traditional medicine, when researched and documented, can stand beside modern medicine.”
