Mentorship Crucial to Curbing Doctor Migration, Retaining Young Medics — Experts

Senior figures in Nigeria’s medical field have identified mentorship as a vital tool to curb the increasing migration of doctors abroad, popularly referred to as the Japa syndrome.

They urged young doctors to remain in the country after graduation and contribute to national development, despite existing challenges in the health sector.

The experts — including the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo; fertility specialist and Secretary-General of the International Federation of Fertility Societies, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru; and Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Lagos, Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade — emphasised the need for stronger mentorship between senior and younger medical professionals to address the ongoing brain drain.

They spoke at the 20th Annual Scientific Conference and Faculty Gathering of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, themed “Mentorship: Raising the Next Generation of Leaders in the Medical Profession.”

The event, held at the Old Great Hall of the college, brought together distinguished medical professionals who have made significant contributions to healthcare delivery in Nigeria and across Africa.

The experts expressed concern that the mass emigration of doctors has left the health system overstretched and underscored the need for senior professionals to engage, guide, and inspire younger doctors to explore opportunities in clinical practice, academia, research, and healthcare management within the country.

Prof. Ashiru, who delivered the keynote address, reflected on his early career journey and credited his mentors for shaping his path in medicine. He highlighted mentorship as a transformative process that not only transfers knowledge but also builds character, confidence, and vision.

“Mentorship is not just about teaching — it’s about transformation. It bridges the knowledge, courage, and vision gaps. The future of medicine depends on the mentors we become today,” he said.

He advised mentors to listen more than they speak and to guide young doctors with empathy and purpose, while urging mentees to remain humble, disciplined, and eager to learn.

Prof. Adeyemo described the Japa trend as a major threat to Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing the need to nurture the next generation of doctors through deliberate mentoring and better welfare conditions.

“We must care for our health workers and create systems that make them want to stay,” he said.

On his part, Prof. Fasanmade said the goal of the conference was to ensure that senior professionals pass down the right knowledge, skills, and values to sustain the future of medical practice in Nigeria.

He added that mentorship remains the cornerstone for building leadership and excellence in medicine, noting that “the future of healthcare depends on how well today’s leaders prepare the next generation.”