The Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (FMST,) has advised the federal government to recognize and include the study of traditional medicine in the nation’s academic system

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry,  Mrs Monilola Udoh said to advance further in research and development of traditional medicine practice the study should be included in the nation’s School curriculum to enable Nigerians develop interest in the traditional medicine.

Mrs Udoh gave this advise when she received in audience the Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association (NTMPA) in her office in Abuja.

Monilola Udoh stated that traditional medicine if properly developed will not only eliminate medical tourism but will be a great source of revenue generation for Nigeria.

In a statement signed by Atuoara Obed, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, the Permanent Secretary said that development of Traditional medicine will improve research into science and innovation sector in the country.

Udoh noted that traditional medicine is pure undiluted and organic natural medicine which is provided by God and will be an alternative medicine to Nigerians, adding that traditional medicine should be included in the school curriculum in order to avail the children its importance in our health and national growth.

She assured the Association of the Ministry’s support and advised her to keep with her God endowed medicine, document it as much as possible, store the data for posterity so that students can study and continue on their research in the future.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation Plateau state, Honourable Gyang Dung Musa who introduced the Association to the Ministry, noted that traditional medicine has been of immense health benefit to Nigerians.

Gyang Musa however called on the Federal Government to remove the Association from the Federal Ministry of Health and place her under the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation for the desired development.

In his remarks, the president of the Association Dr. Peter Luke Dako said that the Association has a lot to offer the country and the world in terms of traditional medicine but she is highly confronted with the challenges of office accommodation, registration with NAFDAC among others.