Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, the chief medical director, (CMD) of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), has advised new medical doctors from the University of Ilorin to shun ‘japa’ syndrome and practise in the country.
Adeyemo gave this charge on Monday at the induction ceremony of 144 medical graduands of the College of Health Sciences, held in Ilorin.
The don who spoke on the topic: “Brain Drain in Health Sector: The Grass is Greener Here Too”, congratulated the inductees, saying “your future is the very bright sun going to shine on everything you do”.
He emphasised on the need for the young medics to contribute their quotas towards the peace and progress of the country.
He, however, bemoaned low remuneration and general poor working conditions medical doctors are subjected to in the country.
According to him, it is important for such young professionals to stay behind in order to contribute their quotas to national development like many of their patriotic senior colleagues.
“While hoping that all will be well soon in addressing these factors, particularly remuneration, infrastructures, and adequate funding.
“It is important that we, elders in the profession, engage these younger ones about the many opportunities here such as, clinical practice, public and private, academic, and research, among a very long list of opportunities,” he said.
Adeyemo observed that it is not the proposed mandatory five-year practice that will mitigate the effect of the brain drain, but understanding why Nigerians always take delight in relocating to other countries.
He urged elders in the profession to create and allow free flow of mentoring between them and the young graduates as done in the law profession.
He explained that young graduates should be discouraged from taking decisions that will hurt them.
The CMD added that young medical doctors need mentors amongst the elders to redirect their thoughts as he advised the graduands to emulate and be encouraged by the styles and accomplishments of their senior colleagues who remain at home to produce them.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, congratulated the graduands and their parents on the successful completion of their training.
He charged them to show the world compassion, care and concern to humanity.
“Today we are celebrating with your parents who have paid the dues to make sure you are here today. Remember that although it was not easy but they did it for you.
“To show appreciation also do it to the Nigerian society that has produced you. Remember that the lexicon today has moved from ‘Japa’ to ‘Japada’.
“Therefore use the latest lexicon to stay here and make use of the best opportunity you have here,” he said.
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