Poor pay, insecurity driving Nigerian doctors abroad, says OOUTH former CMD
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Dr. Haroon Ajibode, former Chief Medical Director of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, stated that approximately 90 percent of Nigerian medical graduates are seeking opportunities abroad. He attributed this trend, known as the "Japa syndrome," to poor remuneration, bad governance, insecurity, and unfavorable working conditions in Nigeria. Ajibode made these remarks at the 27th Annual Faculty Lecture of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, where he also noted that fewer doctors are opting for residency training in the country. He urged the government to address these issues to prevent the continued loss of medical professionals. Dr. Adekunle Hassan, Chairman of the Board of Management for OOUTH, called for the upgrade of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to meet international standards and challenged young ophthalmologists to confront existing challenges. Prof. Anthony Ikefuna, President of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, represented by Registrar Prof. Temitope Esan, affirmed the faculty's commitment to improving ophthalmology training standards. Dr. Charles Bekibele, Chairman of the Faculty of Ophthalmology, highlighted significant training needs and the college's dedication to competency-based learning and global standards.
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