President Bola Tinubu has urged medical experts across West Africa to develop practical solutions to the migration of skilled health professionals, warning that the trend places additional pressure on healthcare systems and limits access to essential services.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly after receiving a fellowship from the West African College of Physicians (WACP).
According to a statement issued on October 22 by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President challenged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming annual scientific meeting to develop sustainable measures to address medical brain drain across the sub-region.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.
He praised the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for his role in driving the reforms and urged medical professionals to support efforts to improve the country’s health system.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of medical professionals to research, disease prevention, emergency treatment and the development of healthcare systems capable of responding to existing and emerging public health threats. He also thanked the college for considering him worthy of the fellowship.
The WACP conferred the honour on the President through its council, citing his administration’s commitment to healthcare reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
The college’s President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for presidents who had made significant contributions to healthcare delivery in the West African sub-region.
“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, said the decision reflected the college’s recognition of the administration’s health sector initiatives.
Dankyau said the college had conferred the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history. He identified former Gambian President Dawda Jawara as the first recipient and former Nigerian military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, as the previous Nigerian recipient 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 relevant areas of healthcare, according to the figures cited by the college. He also highlighted reported progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness.
Dankyau referred to a recent announcement by the health minister on Nigeria’s preparedness to respond to Ebola, saying the update had helped reassure medical professionals across the region.
The presentation was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.
The college also informed Tinubu of its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting, scheduled to hold from October 26 to 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The meeting is expected to provide a platform for medical professionals to discuss scientific developments and challenges affecting healthcare delivery across West Africa, including the retention of skilled personnel and preparedness for public health emergencies.
