Tinubu Urges West African Physicians to Tackle Medical Brain Drain, Receives WACP Fellowship
Tinubu Urges West African Physicians to Tackle Medical Brain Drain, Receives WACP Fellowship
Tinubu Urges West African Physicians to Tackle Medical Brain Drain, Receives WACP Fellowship
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged medical professionals across West Africa to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the persistent challenge of medical brain drain, warning that the migration of skilled healthcare workers continues to place significant pressure on health systems across the sub-region.
The President made the call on Thursday after being conferred with a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) at the State House, Abuja, in recognition of his administration’s commitment to healthcare reforms and medical development.
Tinubu urged the College’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop practical strategies to address the migration of medical professionals, which he said limits access to essential healthcare services and increases the workload of available personnel.
“We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else; you know, and with the outbreak of Ebola now we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections. So, I wish you the best. As I pledge to behave myself, I will continue to do whatever I can do for this honourable profession,” the President said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.
The President also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for his role in driving the reforms.
“We as a government are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician, Ali Pate, who has been doing a very good job,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged the contributions of medical professionals to humanity through medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to existing and emerging health challenges.
Tinubu also thanked the College’s leadership for considering him worthy of the prestigious fellowship.
WACP Explains Tinubu’s Selection
The fellowship was conferred on the President by the Council of the West African College of Physicians in recognition of his administration’s efforts to strengthen healthcare reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
The College President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship recognises leaders who have made significant contributions to healthcare delivery and improved health outcomes across West Africa.
“This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in health care delivery and affected the health of the West African people,” Ka said.
Professor Musa Dankyau, Secretary-General of the WACP and spokesperson for the delegation, explained that the decision to honour Tinubu reflected the College’s recognition of his administration’s far-reaching healthcare reforms.
He disclosed that the College had conferred the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history. The first recipient was former Gambian President Dawda Jawara, while former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.
“So, this is the second time we are coming back to Nigeria to present to you, Mr President. The Council has noted your significant contributions to health infrastructure, improved access to care and emergency care, and massive investments in primary health care and universal health coverage,” Dankyau said.
He added that more than $2.2 billion had been invested in the health sector, according to figures presented by the delegation, highlighting efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, primary healthcare and universal health coverage.
Dankyau also commended Nigeria’s progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness, noting that recent assurances from the Health Minister on the country’s preparedness for Ebola had helped reassure medical professionals across the sub-region.
WACP Announces 50th Anniversary Celebration
The delegation also informed the President of the College’s forthcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting, scheduled for October 26 to 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.
The engagement underscored the importance of collaboration between governments and medical professionals in addressing healthcare workforce shortages, strengthening health systems and improving access to quality medical services across West Africa.
Tinubu Urges West African Physicians to Tackle Medical Brain Drain, Receives WACP Fellowship
