Can you share your journey from Nigeria to the UK for your Master’s in Public Health, and then to the US for your DrPH? What motivated you?
While working with patients, I saw deeper systemic issues affecting healthcare. I realized to make lasting changes, especially in preventive care, I needed a broader education. Programs in Nigeria were more clinical, so I pursued my MPH in the UK for a global perspective. Learning from experts there inspired me to continue with a DrPH in the US to deepen my knowledge and tackle bigger challenges.
What challenges did you face in Nigeria that led you to move abroad?
After my MPH, I returned to Nigeria, eager to apply my knowledge, but faced major hurdles. Public health facilities suffered from chronic shortages of drugs and equipment, especially in rural areas. Even well-established policies struggled due to poor implementation, funding gaps, and bureaucratic delays. Many programs relied on donor funding, but lacked sustainability once the funding ended. These challenges led me to pursue my doctorate abroad to gain the skills needed to address these systemic issues.
How do you view Nigeria’s healthcare system, especially in terms of supporting health professionals?
Working in healthcare in Nigeria is tough. With resource shortages, long hours, and low pay, professionals face burnout. Many leave for better opportunities abroad, contributing to the “brain drain” problem. The government’s efforts to improve the system fall short, and without serious reforms, it will remain hard to retain skilled talent in the country.
What differences have you noticed between working conditions, professional development, and support for health professionals in Nigeria compared to the countries where you studied and work now?
Health workers in Nigeria face tough conditions—limited supplies, outdated equipment, and inconsistent support. In contrast, professionals in the US and UK have access to better mental health support, higher salaries, and well-equipped facilities. For example, basic items like gloves are scarce in Nigeria, while in the US and UK, modern medical technology helps professionals deliver better care with a healthier work-life balance.
Opportunities for research and career growth are limited in Nigeria, especially in rural areas. In the US and UK, research is well-funded, with international collaborations and a strong focus on lifelong learning. Safety is also a concern in Nigeria, particularly in conflict-prone areas, while the US and UK provide more stable and secure working environments.
What are your thoughts on Nigeria’s new health policy aimed at retaining skilled medical professionals? Does it address the core issues behind health worker migration?
The new health policy is a good start, addressing low compensation, one of the main reasons for migration. By improving hospital infrastructure and working conditions, it could reduce burnout and dissatisfaction. It also highlights professional development, with funding for continuous education, and proposes creating health research centers. However, its success depends on effective implementation and proper management of resources.
Based on your experience, what additional measures could the Nigerian government take to not only retain health workers but also attract those who have left the country back into the healthcare system?
To retain and attract healthcare workers, Nigeria could offer comprehensive scholarships covering tuition and living expenses, tied to a service requirement in underserved areas, much like the National Youth Service Corps. This would help address shortages in rural regions, especially if supported by better infrastructure, security, and extra compensation.
The government could also introduce repatriation programs with incentives like tax breaks and reintegration support to encourage healthcare professionals abroad to return. Public-private partnerships to modernize healthcare facilities, as seen in Brazil, would make the sector more appealing. Additionally, improving working conditions and creating clear career paths, similar to strategies used in Finland and Canada, would encourage retention. Addressing security and quality of life concerns would further help attract professionals back to Nigeria.
What role do you think the international community and diaspora health professionals like yourself can play in supporting the improvement of Nigeria’s healthcare system?
Diaspora health professionals can help improve Nigeria’s healthcare by sharing skills through workshops, both online and in-person. Partnerships between diaspora groups and Nigerian hospitals or universities could establish structured knowledge exchange programs. They can also raise funds for projects like building clinics and purchasing medical equipment, while international organizations could invest in modernizing infrastructure. Collaborative research and advocacy for better policies are other key roles. Initiatives like reverse brain drain programs and supporting telemedicine can further strengthen healthcare in Nigeria.
If you had the opportunity to advise Nigeria’s health policymakers directly, what would be your top three recommendations to ensure the sustainability and success of the new health policy?
First, increase healthcare funding to meet the 15% target in the Abuja Declaration. Second, ensure effective implementation by creating a dedicated team within the Ministry of Health, involving stakeholders from finance, education, and labor. Lastly, tackle wider societal issues like inflation, insecurity, and poor infrastructure. This will create a stable environment that retains healthcare professionals and boosts the sector’s overall success.
Looking back at your journey, do you ever consider returning to Nigeria to contribute to the healthcare system? If so, under what conditions or circumstances would you consider making that move?
I remain connected to Nigeria’s healthcare system through research and initiatives. However, security concerns, including kidnapping threats and lack of support for healthcare workers, are major factors in my decision to stay abroad. If security improves and there are opportunities aligned with my mission, I would consider returning to contribute more directly.
How do you balance your commitment to improving global health while being physically distant from the challenges in Nigeria?
I stay engaged with Nigeria’s healthcare system through regular visits, collaborations, and on-the-ground research, even though I’m physically distant. My work in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, allows me to apply global resources, networks, and knowledge in practical ways, like virtual workshops or partnerships. By working with local organizations and colleagues, I contribute remotely and occasionally in person. Being abroad actually helps me bridge the gap between global advancements and local needs.
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