President Bola Tinubu has urged the West African College of Physicians (WACP) to develop practical and sustainable solutions to medical brain drain across the sub-region, warning that the migration of skilled health professionals is placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems.
President Tinubu said the trend limits access to essential medical services and increases the workload of health workers who remain in their countries.
According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the President spoke on Thursday after receiving a fellowship from the WACP at the State House, Abuja. He urged the College to use its forthcoming conference to develop lasting solutions to the challenge.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to healthcare reforms aimed at making medical services more accessible, affordable and efficient. He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for leading the reforms.
The President acknowledged the contributions of medical professionals to research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and the development of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to emerging health threats.
The WACP conferred the fellowship on Tinubu in recognition of his contributions to healthcare reforms and medical development in Nigeria.
The College’s President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the honour was reserved for presidents who had made significant contributions to healthcare delivery across West Africa.
The College’s Secretary-General and delegation spokesperson, Professor Musa Dankyau, said the fellowship had been awarded only eight times in its 50-year history. He identified former Gambian President Dawda Jawara as the first recipient and former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, as a previous recipient in 1991.
Dankyau also cited investments in health infrastructure, primary healthcare, emergency care, immunisation and universal health coverage as factors behind the recognition. He said more than $2.2 billion had been invested in the health sector, according to the figures he presented.
The WACP informed President Tinubu that its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting would hold from October 26 to 28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.