In an unprecedented policy shift aimed at tackling Nigeria’s deepening substance abuse crisis among youth, the Federal Government has announced mandatory drug integrity testing for students in tertiary institutions nationwide.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this declaration on Wednesday following a strategic meeting in Abuja with the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd). The move, he said, is both urgent and non-negotiable.
“We do not have a choice,” Alausa asserted. “We’re starting with drug tests for all new and returning students in our tertiary institutions—and we will follow through with random testing as well.”
The measure is part of a wider three-pronged strategy proposed by the NDLEA to combat the alarming rise in youth drug use: a complete overhaul of drug education in school curricula, the introduction of dedicated anti-drug programmes in secondary schools, and the rollout of nationwide drug testing policies for campuses.
Marwa, a relentless voice in Nigeria’s war on narcotics, warned that substance abuse has become a national emergency, directly fueling terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. “We are fighting for the souls of our children,” he said. “Without drugs, many criminal activities simply wouldn’t happen.”
Citing the NDLEA’s arrest of over 40,000 drug offenders and seizure of more than 5,500 metric tonnes of narcotics in just two years, Marwa emphasized the gravity of the threat. “This is not just about discipline—this is about national survival,” he declared.
Dr. Alausa echoed the concern, painting a bleak picture of how drug use is derailing Nigeria’s youth. “When our students are ensnared by drugs, their education suffers,” he said. “It blunts their critical thinking, erodes their judgment, and renders them unemployable. That’s the beginning of a dangerous cycle.”
In a bold structural response, the minister announced the creation of a Substance Use Prevention Unit within the Ministry of Education. He also committed to revising the secondary school curriculum to include updated drug education content, starting immediately.
Alausa further revealed plans to partner with the Universal Basic Education Commission and TETFund to strengthen the NDLEA’s academy in Jos, Plateau State, and to cascade preventive education down to the primary level.
“This is a national duty,” he concluded. “We must protect our youth from the slow poison of drugs. Education must lead the charge.”
If implemented effectively, the initiative could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s decades-long battle against youth substance abuse, placing schools at the forefront of prevention and early intervention.
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Hospitals across Nigeria have descended into eerie silence, their once-bustling wards now hauntingly still on Wednesday as thousands of nurses under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM-FHI) laid down their tools, plunging the nation’s fragile healthcare system into chaos. The seven-day warning strike—described as total and uncompromising—has forced widespread shutdowns, discharged patients prematurely, and exposed the overstretched limits of a system long held together by nursing staff.
From Abuja to Bayelsa, Benue to Borno, scenes of despair unfolded. Parents cradled sick children on benches, patients leaned helplessly against cold walls, and doctors struggled under crushing workloads in near-deserted wards. At Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, the usually packed General Outpatient and Surgical Units were shadows of themselves, with long queues and minimal staff trying to sustain skeletal services.
At Wuse General Hospital, the situation was more dire—wards were shuttered entirely, and emergency patients were turned away. “We’re overwhelmed,” said a doctor at the facility. “Without nurses, we can’t provide meaningful care. They are the soul of the system.”
NANNM-FHI’s demands are far-reaching but not new. The union seeks an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, creation of a dedicated nursing salary structure, employment of more nurses, and the establishment of a Nursing Directorate within the Federal Ministry of Health. Other key demands include inclusion of nurses in top policy-making roles and a gazetted scheme of service that recognises their professional worth.
At Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, NANNM officials ensured complete compliance. Liberia Progress, the hospital’s NANNM Chairman, reaffirmed that “no skeletal services” would be rendered. “We’ve done our best, endured poor working conditions for too long. Now, we are demanding what’s due,” she said.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Dame Okafor, Director of the Nursing Division at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, confirmed that the government has finally responded by scheduling a high-level stakeholder meeting for Friday. “We are in a meeting now with the Honourable Minister and union leaders in an effort to resolve the situation,” she stated.
She further disclosed that the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, had cut short a scheduled visit to Maiduguri to address the crisis. “Though it may seem late—because this ought to have been handled before the strike—it’s better now than never,” she admitted.
The upcoming meeting is expected to bring together key government bodies including the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Office of the Accountant General, the National Salaries and Wages Commission, and NANNM leadership.
But union leaders are clear: this is just the beginning.
“If our nine-point demands are not met after these seven days, we will issue a 21-day ultimatum, after which a nationwide indefinite strike will follow,” warned Joe Akpi, NANNM Chairman at one facility.
As negotiations inch forward, millions of patients remain in limbo—caught in the crossfire between an overstretched workforce and a government struggling to keep its promises.
As patients grow restless and wards remain silent, the strike underscores a deeper crisis: the systemic undervaluing of nurses—an important stakeholder of Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.
Until the stethoscopes of nurses are returned to the wards, millions of Nigerians remain in medical limbo, caught between policy delay and collapsing care.
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In a landmark moment celebrated by Nigerians and the global Black diaspora, Dr. Timileyin Oluseyi, a Nigerian-born physician based in the United States, has shattered institutional records by being the first resident in his medical residency history to win all eight prestigious awards at his graduation ceremony.
The unprecedented achievement includestop honors for clinical excellence, research, leadership, teaching, patient-centred care, professionalism, innovation, and community service—a sweep never before achieved in the residency’s existence . With performances across every academic and professional measure, Oluseyi outperformed every peer, irrespective of background or race .
But it was the heartfelt cultural salute that captured global attention: during the ceremony, both the program director and department chairman prostrated before Dr. Oluseyi in accordance with Yoruba tradition—a gesture of deep respect reserved for elders and esteemed individuals. The tribute, accredited to careful cultural research by institutional leaders, was described as a powerful testament to both his achievement and heritage .
One senior faculty member remarked, “We’ve never seen anything like this. He raised the bar for this program forever,” underscoring the magnitude of Oluseyi’s success . The emotional ceremony blended seriousness with levity when colleagues famously presented him with a wheelbarrow to “carry all his awards home,” eliciting laughter and applause .
Dr. Oluseyi’s historic feat is resonating far beyond the lecture halls. Nigerian diaspora groups, including NiDCOM, and social media platforms like Reddit and Instagram, have erupted in celebration, calling him a trailblazer and a shining example of Black excellence . Many see his success as a beacon of hope and representation for Nigerian and African youth aspiring to careers in medicine.
This moment comes at a pivotal time, as global conversations increasingly emphasize equitable recognition of Black professionals in historically non-diverse fields. Dr. Oluseyi’s story represents not just personal triumph, but a symbolic victory in dismantling stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of Black and African medical professionals.
As he embarks on his next chapter—be it further fellowship or independent practice—Dr. Timileyin Oluseyi’s unparalleled success positions him as a cultural icon, a clinical visionary, and a role model whose legacy will inspire long after he takes his final bow on stage.
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What if you were handed ₦100 million today—no strings attached—to stay and invest in Nigeria’s crumbling healthcare system?
That daring question, posed by the UK-based physician, one of the moderators of the summit and CEO of the Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI), Dr. Lawson Obazenu, during the National Health Summit 2025, triggered one of the most powerful and unfiltered debates of the event. Hosted in collaboration with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the virtual summit themed “The JAPA Syndrome: Brain Gain or Brain Drain?” Navigating the Future of the Nigeria Health Sector , brought together an impressive lineup of medical professionals from Nigeria and the diaspora to address one of the most pressing dilemmas in the nation’s healthcare sector: the mass exodus of health workers.
As the summit reached its peak, Dr. Obazenu challenged attendees with a bold, unfiltered prompt: “If you had ₦100 million, would you stay and invest in Nigeria’s healthcare system—or would you still choose to JAPA?”
The virtual chat room exploded. Despite the staggering sum, a resounding majority still opted to leave.
A Mirror to the Crisis
Many doctors cited insecurity, decaying infrastructure, career stagnation, and a deep-seated mistrust in government institutions. Some lamented that even ₦100 million is no match for a system that stifles talent and punishes integrity. A few, however, stood firm on staying—insisting that with accountability, real reform, and stakeholder unity, Nigeria’s healthcare sector can still be rebuilt from within.
Leadership and Moderation
In his opening remarks, Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD, called the JAPA syndrome a “national emergency,” urging for collaboration between government and diaspora doctors to stem the tide. His co-moderator, Dr. Lawson Obazenu, emphasized the need for strategic reinvention: “We can’t blame our way out of this crisis. The time has come to build bridges—between those who stayed and those who left.”
Voices from the Frontlines
Responding to the moderators’ challenge, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, past President of the World Medical Association (WMA), Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA), and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), delivered a compelling response: “We must stop treating JAPA like a betrayal. It’s a symptom. The real disease lies in underfunding, weak governance, and systemic neglect. If India reversed brain drain through strategic investment, Nigeria can too—but we must act fast and act right.”
The current NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, echoed these sentiments, warning of a looming collapse if urgent steps aren’t taken. “This isn’t just about losing personnel—it’s about losing the next generation of trainers, mentors, and visionaries. We must act now or risk irreparable damage.” He called the recent government move to export doctors to Saint Lucia “morally indefensible,” given the acute shortage at home.
Prof. Temitope Esan of the National Postgraduate Medical College warned of a critical collapse in specialist training enrolment. Dr. Elizabeth Fajemirokun from the UK advocated for rotational exposure in high-standard hospitals to re-inspire resident doctors.
Diaspora Reflections
Dr. Sunday Fawole, a U.S.-based Consultant, described JAPA not as desertion but “career evolution born out of desperation.” He credited his departure to years of stalled promotions, poorly equipped hospitals, and the emotional burden of working without hope.
Dr. Solomon Oke, President of Nigerian Doctors in the UK (NDUK), shared his story of frustration, safety fears, and professional stagnation. He proposed digital platforms and structured diaspora partnerships to allow remote contribution without full repatriation.
From Pain to Purpose
In closing, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, 1st Vice President of NARD, declared: “This summit shattered illusions and sparked a movement. For the first time, home-based and diaspora doctors are united—not by blame, but by purpose.”
Dr. Obazenu’s final words rang clear: “This ₦100 million question was never really about money—it was about what it would take to make Nigeria worth staying for. Now we know: it’s dignity, security, and shared vision.”
As the virtual applause rang out, the message was unmistakable: JAPA may be the reality—but collective reform could still rewrite the ending.
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In what has been described as one of the most intellectually charged and emotionally stirring health conversations of the year, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in collaboration with the Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI) held the National Healthcare Summit 2025 virtually on Saturday, July 12, bringing together some of the most influential voices in Nigerian medicine—both at home and in the diaspora.
With the compelling theme “The JAPA Syndrome – Brain Gain or Brain Drain? Navigating the Future of the Nigerian Healthcare Sector,” the summit recorded massive participation from doctors across Nigeria and around the globe via Zoom. The virtual summit, featured high-level stakeholders including doctors from across Nigeria, the UK, US, and the Middle East, as they dissected the realities, root causes, and possible solutions to the mass migration of Nigerian doctors.
Leaderships Sets the Tone
The event kicked off with strong opening remarks by the host as well as moderator, Dr. Osundara Tope, President of NARD, and the co-host and moderator, Dr. Lawson Obazenu, CEO of RYNI and a UK-based physician. Dr. Osundara called the Japa trend a “national emergency,” urging strategic engagement between government, local professionals, and diaspora doctors to halt the drain. Dr. Obazenu emphasized that the conversation should move beyond blame to building bridges that convert the brain drain into brain gain.
Government Engagement: Promises and Pathways
Delivering the keynote, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen (mni), Director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, acknowledged the troubling outflow of Nigerian doctors and admitted that diaspora doctors remain underutilized. He pledged stronger partnerships between the Federal Ministry of Health and diaspora organizations to institutionalize avenues for brain gain, including collaborative missions, specialist training, and technology transfer.
“We must stop seeing diaspora doctors as gone. They are an untapped national resource,” he noted.
A Battle of Perspectives: Nigerian-Based vs. Diaspora Doctors
The summit featured a diverse panel that passionately addressed the push-and-pull dynamics driving the Japa phenomenon:
Dr. Sunday Fawole, a Consultant Physician based in Georgia, USA, was unflinching. “This is not just migration. It’s a strategic career evolution sparked by systemic failure,” he said. He cited chronic underfunding, lack of infrastructure, and poor wages in Nigeria as the overwhelming “push” factors.
Prof. Bala Audu, President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), warned of a bleak future if urgent reforms are not initiated. “We are not just losing doctors, we’re losing mentors, specialists, and future trainers. The system is collapsing from the inside,” he lamented. He further criticized medical tourism as a national contradiction and called for investment in local systems. He also condemned the government’s move to export doctors to Saint Lucia, calling it “morally unjustifiable” in a country already crippled by severe doctor shortages.
Dr. Osahon Enabulele, former President of WMA, CMA, and NMA, argued for a comprehensive root cause approach. “India reversed brain drain with deliberate investment. Nigeria can do the same. But first, we must address poor wages, working conditions, and governance failure,” he said.
Representing the UK diaspora, Dr. Elizabeth Fajemirokun, a Consultant Anaesthetist, advocated for inclusive reform led by doctors—not civil servants. She recommended rotational postings in high-performing private hospitals to improve resident training and morale.
Prof. Temitope Esan, Registrar of the National Postgraduate Medical College, confirmed a steep decline in residency enrolments and rising attrition within the first year of training. “Our factories for producing specialists are losing raw materials,” he warned, calling for urgent attention to poor training environments. When questioned about the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), Prof. Esan revealed that although the fund exists, irregular disbursement remains a deterrent. “Dialogue with government is ongoing, but we need consistency and structure,” he added.
Diaspora Voices: Pain, Promise, and Proposals
In a poignant reflection, Dr. Solomon Oke, President of the Nigerian Doctors in UK (NDUK), admitted that his departure from Nigeria was not solely economic. “It was about safety, career structure, and hope. Nigeria didn’t offer that,” he said. He advocated for digital platforms that allow diaspora doctors to contribute remotely.
Dr. Babagana Abubakar, a Saudi-based surgeon, emphasized that individual contributions by diaspora doctors are difficult due to systemic obstacles. He called for formal government-diaspora partnerships, medical missions, and specialist exchange programs to enable structured contributions.
“If You Had ₦100 Million—Would You JAPA or Stay?”
One of the most striking moments came when Dr. Obazenu posed a daring question to the audience:“If you were given ₦100 million, would you JAPA or stay to invest in Nigeria’s healthcare?”
The Zoom chat erupted.
A large majority admitted they would still choose to leave—citing insecurity, poor infrastructure, and lack of political will. A few courageous voices, however, declared their commitment to stay and invest, believing in Nigeria’s potential if supported by real reform.
The Way Forward: Unity and Purpose
As the summit drew to a close, panelists unanimously agreed that the Japa trend is not inherently evil, but its current trajectory is dangerous without a national strategy. They advocated: Structural reform of training programs and healthcare financing. Leveraging diaspora doctors through partnerships.Better wages, safer working environments, and clear career progression pathways.
A Movement is Born
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, 1st Vice President of NARD, commended the candour of all speakers:
“Today showed that doctors—home and abroad—are no longer divided. We are united in pain, in hope, and now, in purpose. Let us build the Nigeria we all dream of.”
Dr. Tope Osundara, NARD President, gave his closing remarks with renewed optimism: “Let this summit be a pivot—not just talk, but policy, partnership, and performance. We will not only stop the drain—we will drive the gain.”
In his final words, Dr. Lawson Obazenu, RYNI CEO, affirmed: “The narrative has changed. From JAPA to return, from brain drain to brain gain—this is our movement. Let us light the fire of transformation, and let it burn across every hospital, every state, and every diaspora corner of the globe.”
As the session closed, the applause—virtual yet powerful—signalled not an end, but a beginning. The road ahead is long, but with unity of purpose and shared responsibility, Nigeria’s healthcare future just took a bold step forward.
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