••• Advocates 15% Budget Allocation to Health, Calls for Structural Reforms
Former Governor of Ondo State and renowned medical practitioner, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has called for the urgent implementation of robust health policies backed by adequate funding to curb the rising emigration of health professionals from Nigeria.
Speaking in Akure on Tuesday at a lecture marking the 81st birthday of Senator Bode Olajumoke, Mimiko decried the persistent “brain drain” in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The lecture, themed “Conqueror, Conquered and Consequences: A Discourse on Brain Drain”, was organised by the Bode Olajumoke Education & Hospitality Initiative (BOEHI).
Mimiko said Nigeria—and Africa at large—must recognise the shift from being “involuntarily conquered to voluntarily conquered,” pointing to the self-inflicted nature of current professional emigration. “The solution lies in creating a conducive environment that retains our best minds for national development,” he noted.
Call for System-Wide Health Reforms
Mimiko emphasised that any meaningful intervention must begin with system-wide reforms anchored on increased funding. “Medical health revamp is critical. The very first step is increased and consistent funding,” he said, while calling for the implementation of the 15% budgetary allocation to health as stipulated in the Abuja Declaration, far above the current 5% maximum allocation.
He argued that the lack of political will and underfunding are key drivers of the mass exodus of Nigerian medical professionals. While acknowledging the value of remittances and some level of skills transfer from the diaspora, he insisted that the damage to Nigeria’s healthcare system—due to the loss of skilled professionals—far outweighs these benefits.
Brain Drain: Slavery in a Modern Form
Delving into historical and biblical contexts, Mimiko likened the mass emigration of skilled Africans to a modern form of slavery, driven by systemic failures and governance issues. He warned that the long-term consequences include “huge human and material losses” that are largely unrecoverable.
Although he applauded the introduction of the 2023 National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, Mimiko stressed that such policy documents must be matched with unwavering political commitment, consistent funding, and strategic implementation.
He further noted that without resolving lingering issues such as constitutional legitimacy, national cohesion, and worsening security, efforts to address the health sector’s challenges may be futile.
Recommendations for a Way Forward
Mimiko concluded his lecture with several recommendations, including the urgent need to restructure the Nigerian federation to devolve more powers to the states, and the legalisation of state and local policing to tackle insecurity.
Aiyedatiwa Applauds Mimiko’s Insight
Representing the Ondo State Governor at the event, Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami commended Senator Olajumoke for a life of public service and praised Dr Mimiko for delivering a timely and thought-provoking lecture.
“Poverty, inequality, and lack of access to quality education and healthcare are pressing issues that demand urgent attention. Dr Mimiko’s insights will no doubt help shape the discourse around talent retention and national development,” Adelami stated.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to collaborating with BOEHI in initiatives aimed at promoting human welfare, especially in the critical areas of education and healthcare.
Celebrant Grateful for Life and Honour
In an emotional vote of thanks, the celebrant, Senator Bode Olajumoke, expressed gratitude to God for his life and extended appreciation to the Ondo State government and other dignitaries for honouring him.
He prayed for the grace to continue impacting lives positively.
Former Chief of Staff Commends Organisers
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olugbenga Ale, former Chief of Staff to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, described the lecture as “insightful and necessary,” commending the organisers and applauding Dr Mimiko’s contributions.
He prayed for long life and continued service for the celebrant, Senator Olajumoke.
