Ever wondered what runs through the minds of fresh Nigerian doctors standing before a sea of proud faces, stethoscopes shining like crowns of hope? At Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), this isn’t just a scene from a Nollywood classic. On a sun-drenched Tuesday, 77 newly minted doctors and 10 bubbling dentists took a solemn vow — not only to heal, but to remain in the land that raised them, resisting the magnetic pull of the “Japa” syndrome that’s draining our health sector of its brightest talents.
Inside LASUCOM’s 2024 Induction: More Than a Ceremony
Picture the excitement inside LASUCOM that morning — a mix of immense pride, hope, and, let’s be honest, anxiety. According to Prof. Olufemi Idowu, Provost of the college, the journey from lecture hall to hospital bed isn’t child’s play. “We celebrate a journey that began with hope. You have spent years in the classroom and laboratories. To parents, we appreciate your sacrifices and prayers,” he said, his words drawing nods of understanding from mothers and fathers who sold land or ran extra shifts just to see their children through medical school. As Idowu reminded them, those stethoscopes “are more than a medical instrument,” representing not only knowledge, but the call to compassion and empathy in every heartbeat and every decision.
Doctors as “Returns on Investment”: The State’s Call to Service
If you’re wondering why government officials seized the moment to speak plainly, it’s no mystery. According to Tolani Sule, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Tertiary Education (represented by Permanent Secretary Adeniran Kasali), every single doctor and dentist inducted stands as a visible “return on investment” — the result of millions funneled into training, facilities, and support. In his words, “The temptation to leave the country for foreign lands is understandable, but reflect on the resources your family and Lagos State have spent on your training.” Nigeria’s health sector, he argued, urgently needs their skill, empathy, and service. For many in the crowd, the subtext was clear: who will plug the gap if our best minds keep leaving for greener pastures?
Why Are Nigerian Doctors Relocating? Peeling Back the “Japa Syndrome”
Let’s not deceive ourselves — the wave of medical “japa” is more than a social media trend. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, Nigeria faces one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a shortage pushing workloads beyond breaking point. It’s no surprise, then, that doctors dream of landing jobs in Canada, the UK, or Saudi Arabia. Who wouldn’t be tempted by fatter paychecks, modern hospitals, or improved living standards?
- Low wages: Entry salaries for doctors in Nigeria can be a fraction of what’s offered abroad.
- Poor working conditions: Dilapidated facilities, outdated equipment, and chronic underfunding are daily headaches.
- Heavy workloads: Some doctors reportedly attend over 50 patients daily — no time to even breathe, let alone excel.
This “explosive” migration trend has left hospitals stretched thin, especially in rural areas. Government officials now scramble to apply countermeasures: improved wages, better conditions, and urgent infrastructure upgrades — but can these reverse the tide?
LASUCOM’s Response: Big Dreams and Bigger Investments
Not everyone is content to sigh and do nothing. In a statement reported at the induction, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi voiced optimism: “We are set to start producing a lot of you. We need to produce a lot of you; we have expanded LASUCOM, and we are building health facilities.” His bold declaration that Lagos is now set to become “the number one destination for medical professionals” struck a chord. If these investments stick, could we see Nigerian doctors start turning down foreign job offers in favour of local ones?
For aspiring doctors reading this — is this the sign you’ve been waiting for?
“Stay and Help Your Nation”: Emotional Appeals from the Top
Of course, heartfelt appeals came thick and fast. Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (represented by Prof. Adenike Boyo), said what many parents were thinking. “The idea of staying back home might not be appealing, but I urge you not to hasten to look for greener pastures. Your country also needs you.” The underlying message? You trained at one of Nigeria’s best; now, make your mark where it counts most.
From a local perspective, there’s a deep powder-keg of pride when Nigerian-trained doctors contribute, save lives, and even build reputations that span continents. But as the exodus continues, community clinics and hospitals across Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, and beyond are left struggling to fill rotas. It’s not just a brain drain — it’s a people problem touching market women, okada riders, and high-flying executives alike. After all, illness is no respecter of status or street.
LASUTH’s Advice: More Than Medicine, It’s About Humanity
With so much attention on statistics and policies, it’s worth repeating the reminder from Prof. Adetokunbo Fabanwo, Chief Medical Director at LASUTH (represented by Prof. Adebowale Adekoya): “When you are treating patients, you have to show empathy, communicate with them, and document everything you are doing. Respect your colleagues. You are going to the world, do the best you can to help the country.” His advice may sound simple, but it echoes the core of medicine — treat each case with care, speak kindly, and put people first, whether in Lagos, London, or New York.
Might these new doctors rewrite the story? Many local observers, including Lagos-based health analyst Bisi Adewumi, argue that change — both personal and systemic — will demand partnership: “You can’t blame young doctors for seeking opportunities. But with government commitment, more will stay and serve. We must build a system where talent can thrive.”
Regional Lessons: Can Nigeria Turn the Tide Like Ghana or Rwanda?
What can we learn from our West African neighbours? Rwanda, for instance, after losing its own cadre of health workers in the 1990s, now reportedly attracts international talent by investing heavily in training and technology. Ghana has experimented with better rural incentives and international partnerships to stop health worker flight. Could these strategies bear fruit in Nigeria, or do local complexities — from funding gaps to security — pose tougher barriers?
Looking Forward: Will Nigeria’s Medical Future Stay Bright?
Here’s a challenge: As these fresh LASUCOM alumni don their lab coats and dental mirrors, what future are we building together? From state halls to dusty clinics, the onus is on us all — citizens, officials, and new doctors — to reimagine a health sector where service is valued and rewarded, not just at home, but across the world.
Will improved conditions, bigger dreams, and heartfelt appeals be enough to ignite a new era of “stay and serve” for Nigeria’s doctors? Or are we still on a long road to real change?
What do you think? Is Nigeria on the right path to keep its medical talents at home? Drop your thoughts in the comments and follow us for the latest on health, policy, and opportunities in Nigeria!
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