Japa: Tinubu Moves to Stem Doctors’ Exodus
President Bola Tinubu has urged medical experts across West Africa to develop practical measures to curb the migration of skilled health professionals, otherwise known as japa.
He warned that the trend is putting pressure on already strained healthcare systems.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly after the West African College of Physicians (WACP) conferred a fellowship on him.
He urged the college to use its forthcoming annual conference to address the persistent brain drain, which he said was limiting access to essential medical services and increasing the workload of available health workers.
Tinubu also cited the Ebola outbreak as a health challenge requiring preventive action and stronger regional preparedness.
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.
He pledged continued government support for the medical profession, saying his administration was pursuing health sector reforms to make healthcare more accessible, affordable and efficient.
The president also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, for driving the 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,
he said.
The WACP said it conferred the fellowship on Tinubu in recognition of his administration’s contributions to health sector reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
The college informed Tinubu that its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting would be held from October 26 to 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference.