Prof. Kayode Ijadunola, Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, has made a passionate appeal to both federal and state governments to foster a more supportive environment for doctors and healthcare professionals. His call comes as Nigeria faces an alarming trend of health workers migrating abroad in search of better opportunities.

During the induction ceremony for 23 newly graduated nurses into the Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Ijadunola emphasized the need for competitive salaries and improved working conditions to retain healthcare professionals. He remarked that despite Nigeria producing a significant number of trained workers, many are leaving the country, and no legislation can effectively stop this migration without addressing the underlying issues.

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“Globally, there is a shortage of healthcare manpower across professions, including doctors and nurses,” Ijadunola stated. He noted that the situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to many health workers retiring or leaving the profession due to burnout and mental fatigue.

The Vice-Chancellor warned that efforts to restrict doctors from leaving the country would be ineffective unless the government addresses the critical issues of security and poor working conditions that compel them to seek employment elsewhere.

Prof. Omolola Irinoye, Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that inadequate salaries and subpar working environments drive health workers to seek better prospects abroad. She stressed the importance of fair compensation for medical professionals, especially those on shift duties, and highlighted the necessity for basic facilities like electricity and clean water in hospitals.