The Society for Quality in Healthcare in Nigeria (SQHN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC) under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The agreement formalises a national framework to assess, accredit, and strengthen capacity in tertiary healthcare institutions across Nigeria.
The partnership supports the mandate of NTHISC as provided under the National Health Act of 2014. The Act empowers the committee to establish minimum standards in line with international practice, conduct periodic inspections, and improve the quality of care in federally funded tertiary hospitals.
At the signing ceremony, Damilola Matti, Executive Manager of SQHN, said the agreement represents more than an administrative step. “This moment is bigger than a signature. It is a declaration of what we believe Nigerian healthcare should be. Through this partnership with NTHISC, SQHN is not just assessing institutions; we are helping to rebuild trust in our hospitals, restore dignity to patient care and reaffirm that excellence is possible — right here, at home. This MoU is a powerful step towards a healthier and more resilient Nigeria.”
The event was attended by senior health officials and regulatory leaders. Among them were the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Kunle Salako, represented by Kamil Shoretire, Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics; Jimoh Olawale Salaudeen, Director of Hospital Services at the Ministry; Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria; and Emem Bassey, Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals.
Speaking at the ceremony, Salako, represented by Shoretire, stressed the need for hospitals to deliver both medical services and humane care. “Our federal tertiary hospitals must transform into vibrant hubs of healing and hope, where patients not only receive excellent medical care but are treated with dignity and compassion. Together, we are building trust between patients and providers and securing a healthier future for generations to come.”
Abiodun Philip, Chairman of NTHISC, explained that the collaboration would establish a performance-based ranking system for tertiary hospitals. He noted that such measures could reduce the need for medical tourism by expanding access to reliable services within the country.
Under the MoU, SQHN and NTHISC will jointly conduct assessments, provide technical support, train hospital quality teams, and monitor progress. The process will be structured to ensure consistency, transparency, and measurable improvement across tertiary healthcare institutions nationwide.
