Experts Raise Alarm Over Possible Health System Collapse As ‘Japa’ Depletes Workforce

Health experts have raised serious concerns that the continued migration of medical professionals, widely known as the “Japa” phenomenon, is pushing Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system toward collapse.

The warning was issued during the 10th Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Memorial Lecture, organised by the IFEMED Journal Club under the Obafemi Awolowo University Medical Students’ Association, held on Thursday at the university’s Ile-Ife campus.

Themed around tackling the mass exodus of healthcare workers, the event attracted notable figures, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Muhammed (represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, John Okeniyi), and former Elizade University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Ijadunola, who delivered the keynote address.

Speaking on behalf of the minister, Okeniyi said the Japa wave undermines the vision of the late Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, who championed accessible and high-quality healthcare for all Nigerians. He, however, expressed optimism about the emerging “reverse Japa” trend, noting that some professionals are beginning to return home as ongoing reforms take effect.

Chairman of the event, Prof. Roger Makanjuola, described Ransome-Kuti as a man of unmatched integrity who left an indelible legacy of transparency and service. He urged Nigerians to safeguard the health sector the late professor helped to strengthen.

Delivering his keynote address, Ijadunola criticised what he called the government’s “tokenistic” approach to addressing the worsening brain drain among health professionals.

“Any nation that trivialises the migration of its critical workforce and adopts token measures as a response is essentially sabotaging itself,” he stated.

Citing disturbing data, he noted that Nigeria currently has only 1.83 skilled health workers per 1,000 citizens—less than half of the World Health Organisation’s recommended benchmark of 4.45. Out of the country’s 55,000 licensed doctors, about 17,000 are said to have left for opportunities abroad.

He traced the root of the crisis to long-standing neglect, recalling that as far back as 1988, a presidential committee under General Ibrahim Babangida was set up to address brain drain triggered by poor working conditions and infrastructure.

To stem the tide, Ijadunola called for transparent governance, merit-based promotions, better pay, and structured opportunities for Nigerian professionals abroad to contribute to the local health system.

“Rebuilding the sector requires stronger institutions, accountability, and a renewed commitment to good governance,” he said.

The lecture also featured the presentation of awards for the 6th National Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Memorial Essay Competition themed “Global Health Workforce Migration and Its Impact on the Nigerian Health Sector.”

From over 200 entries, Yusuf Zabairub of Ahmadu Bello University emerged the winner, followed by Buhari Ahmad of the University of Ilorin in second place, and Abubakar Daniel Bade of the University of Maiduguri in third.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared a nationwide indefinite strike beginning November 1, following the expiration of its 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.

NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, disclosed that the government owes doctors and other health workers across the country an estimated ₦38 billion in unpaid allowances. He added that resident doctors have already begun ward handovers in preparation for the industrial action.