UNILAG VC: Nigerian Doctors Can Thrive Locally, No Need for Japa Syndrome

Despite the ongoing trend of Nigerian medical professionals migrating abroad for enhanced remuneration and improved working conditions, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, has declared that success for doctors is attainable within Nigeria. She emphasized the nation's abundant opportunities, asserting that the perception of these opportunities often depends on the individual's outlook.

Professor Ogunsola acknowledged the benefit of doctors travelling overseas to enhance their medical expertise. However, she advocated for their return to Nigeria, stressing that this would facilitate the development of local skills and bolster the health sector, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for the populace.

Her comments were made recently in Lagos during the conclusion of the fourth cohort of the Dr. Abayomi Ajayi Mentoring Programme. The UNILAG VC observed that many young Nigerian doctors are under the impression that wealth and success are only achievable by relocating abroad. "They can be successful here; Nigeria is full of opportunities. Young doctors shouldn’t leave simply because all they hear is bad news. This is a country of opportunities, and we need to show them they don’t have to go abroad to succeed," she stated.

While encouraging local success, the first female and 13th Vice Chancellor of UNILAG underscored the necessity for Nigeria to make deliberate investments in its healthcare workforce. This includes providing improved welfare packages, creating better working environments, installing modern facilities, and enhancing security measures to incentivize professionals to remain in the country.

Ogunsola highlighted mentorship as a crucial tool for guiding young doctors to identify and leverage the numerous opportunities available within Nigeria. She reiterated, "Nigeria is full of opportunities, so we need to show young doctors how to discover these opportunities and become productive rather than relocating permanently. They can travel abroad for training and return home to contribute to national development."

The distinguished researcher maintained that the aspirations of many young professionals can be fulfilled right here in Nigeria, making overseas relocation unnecessary for success.

Professor Ogunsola, a specialist in Medical Microbiology, further elucidated that success extends beyond monetary gains. "The impact you make on people’s lives is what matters most. That sense of purpose—that you are adding value and people recognise your contributions—is invaluable. Many of us graduate from medical school without a clear vision of what we truly want. This mentorship programme enables young doctors to interact with mentors from diverse fields who help them shape their career paths and gain clarity about where they want to be," she explained.

She urged the Federal Government to cultivate a more enabling environment for healthcare professionals, cautioning that the continuous exodus of skilled personnel poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. She pinpointed the mentorship of budding doctors as an effective strategy to combat the ‘Japa Syndrome’ and halt the depletion of the health workforce.

In related reports, PUNCH Healthwise indicated in January that Nigeria's already vulnerable healthcare system faces a severe manpower shortage. The number of licensed doctors had dwindled to approximately 40,000, significantly short of the estimated 300,000 required to adequately cater to a population exceeding 220 million.

Further data from 2024, shared by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, revealed that Nigeria had about 55,000 licensed doctors. Pate disclosed that over the preceding five years, no fewer than 16,000 doctors had left the country, with an additional 17,000 transferred out of active service.

The 'State of Health of the Nation Report 2025', published in June, documented that 20,966 Nigerian health workers relocated abroad within a single year. This extensive departure included 3,919 doctors, 7,487 nurses and midwives, 6,861 medical laboratory professionals, 702 pharmacists, 658 physiotherapists, and hundreds of other specialists.

In other health sector news mentioned by the original source, Lagos and Kano states have reportedly surpassed the Federal Government in health insurance coverage. Additionally, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NAMDA) recently issued a three-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet their demands, threatening a strike, although doctors had previously suspended a strike following presidential intervention.