National Telescope national telescope newspaper
|Lilian Edward
The Lagos State health sector is facing a severe manpower shortage, according to the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi. Lagos, with its booming population of over 20 million, requires an additional 30,000 medical professionals.
The crisis is exacerbated by the increasing trend of Nigerian health professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
This issue was highlighted by Prof. Abayomi during the Lagos State University College of Medicine’s induction ceremony for its 18th set of graduating medical doctors and 8th set of graduating dental surgeons.
Prof. Abayomi appealed to the new graduates to consider specialising and contributing to Nigeria’s health sector.
He acknowledged the allure of opportunities abroad but urged the new doctors to make a deliberate effort to return and serve in Nigeria after gaining experience.
“There is a shortage of about 30,000 medical professionals in Lagos. While many of you may want to ‘japa’ (seek greener pastures abroad), we hope some of you will return to improve our healthcare system,” he said.
Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, praised the continuous support from the Lagos State Government for the institution’s development.
Prof. Abiodun Adewuya, Provost of LASUCOM, encouraged the graduates to expand their horizons within the health sector.
He highlighted the institution’s goal to become the best medical school in the South West and its plan to produce at least 1,000 medical doctors in the next five years. LASUCOM has already produced 1,093 medical doctors and 51 dental surgeons.
Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan, congratulated the inductees and urged them to stay in Nigeria to contribute to the health sector, noting the government’s significant investment in their education.
Eighty-one new doctors were sworn in by Dr. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
The top graduates, Okenwa Rejoice Chisom and Okoh Gloria Anuoluwa, were awarded prizes for their outstanding achievements.
