The Lagos State Government has announced an ambitious plan to increase the annual intake of students at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) from approximately 500 to 2,500 by the year 2028. This initiative aims to bolster the state's capacity to train healthcare professionals amid ongoing challenges in the medical sector, including the migration of skilled personnel abroad.

To facilitate this expansion, the government will repurpose the former CACOVID Centre located at Mainland Hospital in Yaba into additional teaching space for LASUCOM. The Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency confirmed that the facility, which has been under-utilized since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, was identified as a suitable public asset for this purpose.

Yemisi Aderibigbe, representing the agency's General Manager, stated that the renovation and expansion of the facility were approved in December 2024. PCP Construction Nigeria Limited has been contracted to carry out the necessary construction work, which began in March 2025. The project includes comprehensive renovations, such as demolition, structural construction, roofing, walling, fittings, and electrical installations for both the main and ancillary buildings.

During a recent handover ceremony, Aderibigbe emphasized the significance of this project, stating, "Today, we are therefore formally handing over this facility to the end users, the Ministry of Health and the Lagos State University College of Medicine for optimal use."

The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, highlighted that this expansion is part of the state’s broader strategy to enhance the training of health professionals. He noted that the government is focused on increasing the domestic pipeline of healthcare workers while also creating an environment that encourages skilled Nigerians currently abroad to return home.

The Provost of LASUCOM, Olufemi Idowu, along with other officials, attended the handover, which marks a significant step towards achieving the state’s healthcare goals. The newly repurposed facility is expected to provide essential resources for teaching and practical training, thereby supporting the increased student intake and addressing the pressing need for more qualified medical personnel in Nigeria.