President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged medical professionals across West Africa to develop practical and sustainable solutions to medical brain drain, warning that the migration of skilled health workers continues to place pressure on healthcare systems across the sub-region.
The President made the call on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly after being conferred with a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) in recognition of his administration’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and advance health sector reforms.
PBAT urged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to address the persistent shortage of medical personnel, which limits access to essential healthcare services and increases the workload of available professionals.
“We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else,” the President said, while stating the need for preventive measures against emerging health threats, including Ebola.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians, while commending the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for driving reforms in the sector.
“We as a government are doing everything possible,” PBAT said, urging medical professionals to continue contributing to the development of a stronger healthcare system.
The College President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for leaders who had made significant contributions to healthcare delivery and improved the health of people across West Africa.
“This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in healthcare delivery and affected the health of the West African people,” Ka said.
The WACP Secretary-General, Professor Musa Dankyau, said the honour reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to far-reaching healthcare reforms, investments in medical infrastructure, improved access to care and strengthened emergency response systems.
Dankyau disclosed that the college had conferred the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history, noting that former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.
He also cited investments in primary healthcare and universal health coverage, alongside progress in immunisation, disease prevention and public health preparedness, as reasons for the recognition.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, among other officials.
The college also informed the President of its 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.