The Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, has identified the root causes of the ‘japa syndrome’ prevalent in Nigeria, particularly within the health sector. He pointed to the prevailing economic challenges and inadequate remuneration for medical professionals as the primary factors contributing to this phenomenon.
Prof. Ezemonye emphasized the urgent need for a healthcare system that not only empowers medical practitioners but also places a strong emphasis on their well-being. He underscored that the working conditions and compensation of medical professionals significantly influence their commitment to patient care.
These remarks were made during the 18th Oath-taking/Induction ceremony for newly qualified medical doctors of the 2022/2023 session at the institution. The Vice Chancellor was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Raphael Adeghe.
The economic downturn in Nigeria has led to a distressing trend of inadequate remuneration for medical professionals, negatively affecting their morale and, consequently, the quality of healthcare services they provide. This phenomenon has manifested in various complexities in the training and practice of medical doctors within the country.
Issues such as frequent strikes in the health sector, stringent limitations imposed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on the number of students admitted in each class year, and a healthcare system teetering on the brink of fragility have posed significant challenges. Additionally, the massive emigration of doctors in pursuit of better opportunities has further compounded the problem, affecting the availability of medical professionals within the country. The threat of adulterated drugs has also emerged, endangering the health of Nigerian citizens.

Source: Chrome
During the induction ceremony, Prof. Dominic Osaghae, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences at IUO, urged the newly qualified medical doctors to embrace hard work and discipline in the execution of their responsibilities. He recognized that unfavorable work conditions and inadequate remuneration have been driving factors behind the brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector, leading medical professionals to seek better prospects abroad. He encouraged the graduates to remain in Nigeria to help enhance the healthcare needs of citizens and resist the ‘japa syndrome.’
Prof. Osaghae challenged the inductees to uphold high standards in patient care and emphasized that doctors trained at the university would be able to compete with and measure up to their internationally trained counterparts. This commitment to providing quality healthcare within the country can contribute to mitigating the brain drain and strengthening the health sector.