Competency-based medical education in Nigeria: A much-needed approach for undergraduate medical training

Abstract

Competency-based medical education (CBME) is an outcome-based training model that focuses on equipping the graduate with the essential competencies of knowledge, skills and experience that are relevant for producing physicians that are fit-for-practice. This review highlights the essential competency domains during undergraduate medical education as defined by the Association of Medical Schools of Africa (AMSA), TUNING Africa, Makerere University, Uganda and the Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency (CEPAER) of the American Medical Colleges. The methods for assessing and ensuring that the desired competencies are achieved are also presented. The last section highlights the factors mitigating against the acquisition of clinical skills by undergraduate medical students and the current efforts by the African Forum for Research, Education and Health to have a Taskforce Working Group to push for the promotion of CBME during medical training.