By Our Reporter
President Bola Tinubu has challenged medical professionals across West Africa to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the persistent migration of skilled healthcare workers, warning that the trend continues to put pressure on healthcare systems across the sub-region.
Tinubu 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 contributions to healthcare reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
The President urged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming annual scientific meeting to address medical brain drain, which he said limits access to essential healthcare services and increases the workload of available medical personnel.
He also expressed concern over infectious diseases, including Ebola, and called for preventive measures to strengthen public health systems across the continent.
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 Muhammad Ali Pate, for his role in driving the reforms.
The President acknowledged the contributions of medical professionals to medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to emerging and existing health challenges.
The College President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for leaders whose contributions had made a significant impact on healthcare delivery and the health of people across West Africa.
Similarly, the WACP Secretary-General and spokesperson for the delegation, Professor Musa Dankyau, said the award reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to far-reaching healthcare reforms, improved infrastructure, emergency care and investment in primary healthcare and universal health coverage.
Dankyau disclosed that 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 Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, as the previous Nigerian recipient in 1991.
He added that the college had recognised Nigeria’s investments in healthcare infrastructure, immunisation, disease prevention and public health preparedness. He also cited investments exceeding $2.2 billion in healthcare-related areas, as stated during the meeting.
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 delegation also informed the President of its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting, scheduled for October 26–28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
