Tinubu tasks Medical experts on brain drain after receiving WACP Fellowship

President Bola Tinubu has urged medical professionals across West Africa to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the persistent migration of skilled healthcare workers from the sub-region.

Tinubu said the departure of trained medical personnel to other parts of the world was putting increasing pressure on healthcare systems and limiting access to essential medical services.

The President made the call on Thursday at the State House in Abuja after being conferred with a Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (WACP).

He urged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop workable strategies to address the challenge of medical brain drain across West Africa.

“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. So, I wish you the best. As I pledge to behave myself, I will continue to do whatever I can do for this honourable profession,” Tinubu said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing comprehensive health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.

He also commended medical professionals for their contributions to medical research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to emerging and existing health challenges.

Tinubu thanked the college’s leadership for considering him worthy of the honour.

The fellowship was conferred on him by the WACP Council in recognition of what the college described as his contributions and commitment to health sector reforms and medical development in Nigeria.

The President of the college and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for presidents who had made significant contributions to healthcare delivery across the sub-region.

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

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 also highlighted investments in Nigeria’s health sector, alongside progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness.

“At the last count, over $2.2 billion had been invested in that area for the health of the Nigerian people. We’ve also seen significant strides in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness. Just a couple of days back, the health minister had also announced that we are ready and prepared to face Ebola. And so, we were able to reassure our colleagues,” Dankyau said.

Those present at the meeting included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and the Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.

The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and dated October 22, 2026.

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