Revealed: 146 of 147 newly inducted doctors plan to ‘japa’

At the induction ceremony for the 2024 graduating class of the University of Ibadan’s College of Medicine, a startling revelation emerged: only one out of 147 young doctors intends to stay in Nigeria.

This concerning trend was highlighted by the Provost, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, who expressed sadness at the brain drain. The provost emphasized that the country is losing its best talents, trained at significant expense, and urged the doctors to reconsider their decision to leave.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, whose child was among the inductees, appealed to the young doctors to stay and contribute to the country’s development.

He emphasized that the future belongs to them and that they should join forces with progressive individuals to build the nation.

The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr. Fatima Kyari, represented by Dr. Okwuokenye Henry, stressed that the government has heavily subsidized their education and urged them to reciprocate by giving back to the country.

She highlighted the significant investment in their training and the need for them to upgrade their skills and uphold medical ethics.

The President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association, Emmanuel Otolorin, encouraged the inductees to rethink leaving the country, emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining the institution that made them. He urged them to acquire skills and return to Nigeria to give back.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, reminded the inductees that medicine is a divine calling and urged them to uphold the high standards of the UI Medical School. Prof. Samuel Omokhodion also encouraged them to acquire skills and return to Nigeria.