Former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has warned that Nigeria must quickly reassess its policies to halt the steady exodus of health professionals from the country. Speaking at a lecture in Akure to mark Senator Bode Olajumoke’s 81st birthday, Mimiko described the mass emigration of medical workers as a national emergency that needs clear policies and fast action.
He noted that the country has shifted from being forced into dependency to now accepting it by choice. According to him, Africa is losing its brightest minds because its leaders have failed to create environments that encourage professionals to stay and thrive. Mimiko emphasized that inadequate funding and ineffective implementation of health policies are driving skilled workers away.
Referencing the Abuja Declaration of 2001, he noted that Nigeria has never met the agreed-upon 15% health budget allocation. Instead, the country continues to spend below 5%, a situation he said must change if the nation wants to keep its doctors and nurses.
While praising the new National Policy on Health Workforce Migration (2023), Mimiko said policies without real funding and political commitment will not solve the problem. He also compared current migration trends to modern slavery, arguing that short-term gains like remittances are not worth the long-term damage of losing trained experts.
Beyond the health sector, Mimiko called for deeper structural reforms, including a constitutional review, stronger local governance, and support for state policing to tackle insecurity.
The event also featured goodwill messages. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, spoke about the country’s struggle with poverty, inequality, and lack of basic services. He praised Senator Olajumoke’s lifelong commitment to service and said the state government looks forward to working with the BOEHI initiative to uplift people.
The birthday celebrant, Senator Olajumoke, expressed his appreciation to all guests, especially Mimiko and the state government. Chief Olugbenga Ale, former Chief of Staff to the late Governor Akeredolu, also applauded the lecture, calling it insightful and timely.
Mimiko’s remarks added urgency to ongoing conversations about brain drain, talent retention, and the need for leadership committed to solving real problems.
