Tinubu Tasks Physicians On Brain Drain, Urges Stronger Disease Prevention Measures

President Bola Tinubu has urged medical professionals across West Africa to develop practical and sustainable solutions to medical brain drain and strengthen disease prevention measures to address emerging public health threats.

Tinubu made the call on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly after receiving a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP).

In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga,the President noted that the migration of skilled medical professionals to other parts of the world continues to put considerable pressure on healthcare systems across the sub-region, limiting access to essential medical services and increasing the workload of available personnel.

He urged the leadership of the College to use its forthcoming conference to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the persistent challenge.

“We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else; you know, and with the outbreak of Ebola now we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections,” Tinubu said.

The President pledged his continued support for the medical profession, reaffirming 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 administration’s health sector reforms.

“We as a government are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician, Ali Pate, who has been doing a very good job,” the President said.

Tinubu 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 existing and emerging health challenges.

The President was conferred with the WACP fellowship in recognition of his contributions and commitment to strengthening healthcare reforms and medical development in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the College President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was awarded to presidents who had made significant contributions to healthcare delivery and improved the health of people across West Africa.

“This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in health care delivery and affected the health of the West African people,” Ka said.

The Secretary-General of the College and spokesperson for the delegation, Professor Musa Dankyau, said the decision to honour Tinubu reflected his administration’s commitment to implementing far-reaching health sector reforms.

Dankyau disclosed that the College had conferred the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history. He said former Gambian President Dawda Jawara was the first recipient, while former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.

He said the College recognised the administration’s contributions to health infrastructure, improved access to healthcare and emergency services, as well as investments in primary healthcare and universal health coverage.

“ At the last count, over $2.2 billion had been invested in that area for the health of the Nigerian people,” Dankyau said, adding that the College had also noted progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Ali Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.

The College also informed the President of its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting, scheduled for October 26 to 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.