Teaching bioethics at the Medical School, University of Ibadan, Nigeria: Prospects and challenges

Abstract

Abstract Background Teaching bioethics (BE) is one way to contribute to reflecting if research on humans, health policies and interventions are legitimate. Nonetheless, BE and law have been a relatively new subjects in medical schools in Nigeria, with increasing interest only since the late 1990s following the Pfizer Trovan study. Literature in this emerging field mostly refers to experiences from high-income countries (HIC), literature on low-and middle-income countries (LMIC) is scarce. Objectives This presentation describes over 10 years’ experience of teaching BE in the residency program, to doctors and within a Masters in BE Program of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. The paper discusses the content, skills, teaching approach and tools employed in these activities. Challenges of the teaching process are identified and future teaching strategies suggested. Results The crop of students are largely unemployed young graduates, health professionals, ethics committee members. They come from Southern Nigeria; there is a weak representation from the Northern states of Nigeria. Based on students and lecturer evaluation reports, we can report that it is important to teach BE in LMICs such as Nigeria. A country that has experienced many ethically challenging and even evil activities in medicine and medical research coupled with a radically changing value system. Teaching universal norms of BE in a country with a high level of illiteracy and cultural differences where religion plays a major role in defining what is right, wrong or appropriate remains a challenge. Conclusions For BE training to be impactful and result in systemic and structural changes in health policy and education in Nigeria, the government must invest in proper institutionalization of research and clinical ethics in curricula in Nigeria. Key messages Efforts need to be increased in Nigeria and other LMICs to teach BE. HIC institutions could offer guidance by becoming partners organizing ethics training.