President Bola Tinubu has urged the West African College of Physicians (WACP) to develop practical and sustainable solutions to medical brain drain across the sub-region, warning that the migration of skilled professionals continues to put pressure on healthcare systems.
He said the trend limits access to essential medical services and increases the workload on available health personnel.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu spoke on Thursday after being conferred with a Fellowship of the WACP at the State House, Abuja.
He urged the College’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop lasting solutions to the challenge.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.
He also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, for driving the reforms.
“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,” he said.
The President acknowledged medical professionals’ contributions to medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to existing and emerging health challenges.
He thanked the College’s leadership for considering him worthy of the honour.
The WACP conferred the fellowship on Tinubu in recognition of his contributions and commitment to strengthening healthcare reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
The College 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 across the 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,” he said.
The College’s Secretary-General and spokesperson for the delegation, Professor Musa Dankyau, said the decision reflected the administration’s commitment to far-reaching health sector reforms.
Dankyau said the College had awarded the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history. He named former Gambian President Dawda Jawara as the first recipient and said former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour 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.
“At the last count, over $2.2 billion had been invested in that area for the health of the Nigerian people. We’ve also seen significant strides in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness. Just a couple of days back, the health minister had also announced that we are ready and prepared to face Ebola. And so, we were able to reassure our colleagues,” Dankyau said.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Professor Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.
The WACP also informed Tinubu 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.
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