*Picture from left, Dr Babawale Bello, DCMAC Clinical Service; Prof Olugbenga Ogunlewe; Prof Ayodeji Oluwole, CMAC and Prof Edamisan Temiye, head of Bone marrow Transplant unit*
The Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Wednesday marked its 62nd anniversary at a forum where administrators proffered suggestions on how to stem the tide of brain drain in the medical sector.
The Chief Medical Director, Prof Wasiu Adeyemo said the dedication and commitment of the hospital’s staff enabled LUTH to survive the pangs of brain drain.
“Whatever successes we celebrate today would not have been possible without the hard work and resilience of the hospital staff,” he stated.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Chris Bode highlighted the growing phenomenon of brain drain, locally known as the “Japa syndrome”, which refers to fleeing from hardship with no intention of returning.
This trend is increasingly visible among Nigerian healthcare professionals, many of whom are seeking better opportunities abroad.
Professor Bode noted that migration is a global phenomenon affecting all species, but in Nigeria’s case, it has serious consequences for the healthcare sector.
“We are losing doctors and nurses after investing significant resources in training them,” he said, and warned that the country faces a critical shortage, with one doctor for every 4,000 Nigerians—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one doctor per 600 people.
Citing recent data, Prof. Bode stressed that Nigeria needs at least 240,000 doctors to meet healthcare demands, but current production rates suggest that the country will still be short in 100 years without drastic changes.
He lamented the paradox of unemployed doctors despite nationwide shortages, attributing the problem to the concentration of medical professionals in urban centers as Lagos and Abuja.
The former chief medical director fingered poor remuneration as the leading cause of migration, with 91% of healthcare workers citing dismal pay as their reason for leaving.
“How can someone spend nearly 30 years in training only to earn a pittance?” Prof. Bode asked, warning that if the trend continues, more staff may leave to worsen Nigeria’s healthcare crisis.
He also blamed poor working conditions, insecurity, and a lack of career prospect as additional push factors.
Prof Bode also touched on cultural challenges faced by Nigerian professionals abroad, including racism and loneliness. “Some people thrive overseas, but others struggle with isolation,” he said, stressing the importance of self-awareness by individuals considering migration.
While acknowledging the benefits of migration—such as remittances, advanced training, and better living conditions—Professor Bode questioned the long-term impact.
He concluded by urging the government to improve salaries, working conditions, and rural infrastructure to encourage healthcare workers to stay. “If we want different results, we must do things differently,” he emphasized.
Sundry speakers agreed on the need for collective action to address the brain drain crisis and reposition Nigeria’s healthcare sector for sustainable growth.
The highlight of the event was the recognition of the best clinical department and non-clinical department in the past year.
