President Bola Tinubu has received a prestigious fellowship from the West African College of Physicians (WACP), urging medical experts to develop sustainable solutions to brain drain and strengthen healthcare delivery across West Africa.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on medical professionals to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the growing challenge of brain drain across West Africa, warning that the migration of skilled healthcare workers continues to put pressure on health systems in the sub-region.
Tinubu said the departure of medical professionals to other parts of the world limits access to essential healthcare services and increases the workload of personnel who remain in the region.
The President made the call on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, shortly 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 actionable strategies to address the persistent migration of healthcare professionals.
“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 reiterated his administration’s commitment to comprehensive health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for his role in 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.
Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of medical professionals to humanity through research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to existing and emerging health challenges.
He thanked the college’s leadership for considering him worthy of the prestigious recognition.
The West African College of Physicians conferred the fellowship on Tinubu in recognition of his administration’s commitment to health sector reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
The College President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for leaders whose contributions had made a significant impact on 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.
Professor Musa Dankyau, Secretary-General of the WACP and spokesperson for the delegation, explained that the decision reflected the administration’s efforts to implement far-reaching healthcare reforms.
Dankyau said the college had awarded the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history, with former Gambian President Dawda Jawara among the previous recipients. He added that former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.
He said Tinubu was the second Nigerian leader to receive the recognition.
According to Dankyau, the college recognised the administration’s contributions to healthcare infrastructure, improved access to medical services, emergency care and 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,” he said.
Dankyau also highlighted progress in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness.
He referenced recent assurances from the health minister that Nigeria was prepared to respond to Ebola, saying the country’s readiness had helped reassure medical professionals across the region.
The recognition comes amid continuing concerns about the migration of healthcare workers from Nigeria and other African countries, with medical experts increasingly emphasising the need to strengthen local health systems and improve conditions for healthcare professionals.
During the meeting, the college informed the President of its forthcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting (AGSM).
The event is scheduled to hold from October 26 to October 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Special Adviser to the President on Health Matters, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas.
Tinubu’s call for practical solutions to medical brain drain highlights the need for sustained regional cooperation, stronger healthcare infrastructure and policies capable of retaining skilled medical professionals across West Africa.
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