By Rotimi Agboluaje
Pioneer Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Prof. Emmanuel Otolorin, has called on the Federal Government to adopt proactive measures to transform the ongoing brain drain in the health sector into brain gain.
Rather than implementing restrictive policies that hinder professional growth, he advocated for strategies that retain talent and harness the expertise of Nigerian health professionals abroad.
Otolorin made the appeal while delivering a keynote lecture titled “From Brain Drain to Brain Gain” at the 30th reunion of the 1995 Medical and Dental Graduates of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI). The event, which held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, also witnessed the donation of medical equipment worth ₦90 million by the alumni to their alma mater.
In his address, Professor Otolorin identified two major dynamics, push factors driving healthcare professionals out of Nigeria and pull factors attracting them to more developed countries. He emphasized that Nigeria must not only work to reduce these push factors but also tap into the knowledge and global exposure gained by professionals abroad.
“The push factors include poor remuneration, insecurity, inadequate equipment and supplies, and an unconducive working environment,” Otolorin said.
“On the other hand, the pull factors are the promise of better quality of life, opportunities for advanced training, career progression, and fair compensation, without resorting to industrial action.”
He stressed that improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and recruiting adequate healthcare staff were critical steps the government must take to address systemic stress and burnout among local health workers.
Beyond retention, Otolorin advocated for a strategic diaspora engagement policy that encourages Nigerian professionals abroad to contribute to national development.
“Even if some of our professionals cannot return home permanently, we can engage them temporarily through teaching appointments, curriculum reviews, webinars, seminars, and mentorship programmes. This way, we harness their skills to build the next generation,” he noted.
He further acknowledged the benefits of diaspora remittances, estimated at over $20 billion annually, but warned that financial gains must not come at the cost of the nation’s healthcare capacity.
“We cannot continue to rely on remittances while neglecting the health of our people,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, President of the COMUI 1995 Medical and Dental Graduating Class, Dr. Olakunle Johnson, described the reunion as a moment of gratitude and reflection, marking three decades of achievements and contributions to medicine and humanity. Dr. Johnson paid glowing tributes to the teachers and mentors who shaped their formative years, many of whom were honoured at the event. He reflected on the exceptional nature of the class, fondly called the “Unique Class”.
“It’s on record that over 85% of our class progressed from preclinical to clinical school. We combined academic excellence with vibrant participation in social life, sports, and politics,” he said.
“We produced three distinctions in preclinical school, and one of us became the Students’ Union President after a narrow loss the previous year. We also pioneered the 5-a-side football tournament in ABH, which led to the hall’s first-ever Vice Chancellor’s Cup win.”
Dr. Johnson highlighted the class’s professional milestones, noting that the set has produced 16 professors (and counting), including Professor Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo, current CMD of LUTH, and Dr. Okechukwu Ogah, former Commissioner for Health in Abia State.
However, the celebration was tinged with solemnity as he announced the loss of 11 classmates over the years, offering prayers for the repose of their souls.
To mark the milestone, the Unique Class donated cutting-edge medical equipment and infrastructure support worth over ₦90 million to the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A major highlight of the reunion was the decoration and celebration of former teachers and mentors, many of whom were present to witness the enduring impact of their legacy.. Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Okechukwu Ogah, described the reunion as an emotional and historic return for many members of the class, some of whom were visiting the campus for the first time in 30 years.
“For many of us, COMUI performed what I would describe as a generational radical ‘povertectomy’—a surgical removal of poverty. We will remain eternally grateful to the institution and all the men and women whom God used to equip us with world-class medical and dental training,” he said.
