Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has called for urgent and strategic action to tackle the mass exodus of Nigerian health professionals, warning that the nation’s healthcare system faces collapse if nothing is done.
Speaking at a lecture titled “Conqueror, Conquered and Consequences: A Discourse on Brain Drain” during the 81st birthday celebration of Senator Bode Olajumoke in Akure, Mimiko declared, “To fully address brain drain, Africa must realise it has voluntarily surrendered its human capital. Leaders must now create environments that ensure the retention and productive use of our brightest minds.”
Highlighting poor funding and weak implementation as root causes, Mimiko stressed the need for genuine reforms supported by political commitment.
He lamented Nigeria’s failure to meet the 15% budgetary allocation for health agreed in the 2001 Abuja Declaration, noting, “Instead, Nigeria has never exceeded a 5% allocation. We must reverse this trend.”
While he praised the 2023 National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, he insisted, “Commendable strategies must be backed by political will, consistent funding, and implementation.”
Mimiko went further to link brain drain to deeper national issues, urging constitutional review, devolution of power, and improved security to make Nigeria more habitable for professionals.
“Can we find the patriotic fervour needed to pursue solutions in a country still grappling with legitimacy, national cohesion, and insecurity?” he asked.
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, commended Mimiko’s lecture as impactful, while the celebrant, Senator Olajumoke, expressed gratitude, saying the gathering symbolised hope for Nigeria’s human capital development.
