Access to Bioethics Education in Nigeria: Past History, Current Situation, and Opportunities for the Future

Abstract

Bioethics consists of the principles, standards, norms, and guidelines that regulate theconceptualization, design, implementation and dissemination of research findings.Bioethics education is the process of learning about all principles, regulations, norms,and practices relating to responsible conduct in research. Until year 2000, access tobioethics education in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is limited. Althoughsignificant progress has been achieved since 2000, more needs to be done to improveaccess to bioethics education that will contribute to the creation of a critical mass of bioethicists in the country. This chapter describes the history of and the current status ofaccess to bioethics education while offering recommendations for future development ofbioethics education in Nigeria.