ANATOMY ACT
Act · Education
An Act regulates the study of anatomy in Nigeria by setting conditions for using human bodies in medical education and research, and by licensing anatomy schools. It targets medical schools, anatomy departments, teachers, researchers, the Federal Ministry of Health, and families of deceased persons. This ensures the lawful and respectful use of human remains for educational purposes.
ANATOMY ACT
What Is This Policy?
An Act regulating the study of anatomy in Nigeria, including the conditions under which human bodies may be used for medical education and research, and the licensing of anatomy schools.
Who Does It Target?
Medical schools and anatomy departments Human anatomy teachers and researchers The Federal Ministry of Health Families of deceased persons whose bodies may be donated for medical education
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Enable the lawful use of human remains for medical education and research while preventing exploitation or disrespectful treatment of deceased persons.
Key Features
Licensed Schools: Only licensed anatomy schools may use human bodies for dissection and teaching. Consent Requirements: Bodies may only be used with prior consent of the deceased or appropriate authority. Disposal: Prescribes the dignified disposal of remains after they have been used for anatomical purposes. Inspector: A government inspector oversees anatomy schools to ensure compliance with the Act.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All medical schools and anatomy research facilities Beneficiaries: Medical students; public health through medical education Funding: Federal Government / university budgets
How to Access
Medical schools must hold a valid anatomy school licence Bodies may be donated through hospitals or medical schools with prescribed consent Only unclaimed bodies may be used in very limited circumstances defined by the Act Application method: Apply for anatomy school licence through the Federal Ministry of Health.
Important Terms
Unauthorised use of human remains is a criminal offence Bodies must be treated with dignity and respect at all times Remains must be interred or cremated within the prescribed period after use
Official Resources
Website: https://www.health.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly as the Anatomy Act (Cap A21 LFN 2004). Operates alongside the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (Cap M8 LFN 2004), the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) regulations, and the National Health Act 2014. Aligns with WHO guidelines on the ethical use of human tissue for medical education and the Nigerian Medical Research Council ethical standards.