The shortage of hematologists is gradually becoming a nightmare in Nigerian hospitals, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, argues that one of the factors for this trend has something to do with the fact that the profession is just not attractive enough. He argues that this generation of hematologists has not done much to give the department appeal to the next generation of doctors. He feels that improving the quality of Education and lectures to be more captivating and relevant is a way to make it more attractive to undergraduates, who are the possible future specialists in this very important field.
Speaking at the 48th Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting of the Nigerian Society for Hematology and Blood Transfusion held at the Conference Centre, Ibadan Business School, Prof. Abayomi spoke to the bigger issue of general shortage of medical professionals in Nigeria. He expressed frustration that for decades the country had suffered from so-called brain drain, which only worsened the shortage of skilled health professionals. Abayomi said that all it would take was some strategic policy reforms to reverse the trend and make the Brain Drain turn to brain gain by attracting Nigerian-trained medical professionals currently practicing abroad to return and contribute to the nation’s healthcare.
Rapid university growth in Nigeria threatens quality education.
Professor Fola Esan, chairman of the occasion, voiced his deep concern about the rapid proliferation of universities in Nigeria without a corresponding Investment in the training and development of educators. He emphasized that the nation’s growing obsession with quick financial gains is diverting attention from the essential responsibility of cultivating a strong, skilled workforce, particularly in specialized fields like hematology. This preoccupation with easy money, Esan noted, threatens the quality of professional training and development, making it challenging to establish a sustainable and effective educational system.
At the conference, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, represented by Dr. Olusola Olawoye, acknowledged the indispensable role hematologists play in the healthcare system. He praised their often-overlooked contributions to diagnosing, treating, and managing blood disorders, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care. The event provided a platform for professionals to share their experiences and explore the future prospects of hematology in Nigeria, amidst the challenges posed by the ongoing brain drain and economic instability.
Practitioners urged to innovate amid challenges.
Also, the National President of the Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Prof. Omolade Awodu, emphasized the importance of the conference theme in addressing the current challenges facing hematologists. She noted that the meeting served as a valuable forum for the exchange of ideas, research, and collaboration, which are vital for staying relevant in a rapidly evolving field. Prof Awodu’s comments highlight the need for continuous Professional Development and Innovation in haematology to combat the dual threats of brain drain and a struggling economy.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. John Olaniyi, expressed gratitude to key figures such as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the CMD (UCH), Prof Jesse; the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Clinical Sciences, Prof F. A Fehintola, and the Nigerian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, led by Prof Omolade Awodu, for their support whose presence made the programme successful. Their presence shows the importance of the conference in addressing the critical issues facing hematology practice in Nigeria today.
Related Article: Lagos State to launch Health University
Brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector continues to deepen due to persistent underfunding, poor infrastructure, and insufficient resources. These issues have made it difficult to retain skilled professionals, causing many to seek better opportunities abroad. To reverse this trend, strategic reforms and investments are necessary. The recently approved National Policy on Health Workforce Migration aims to address these challenges by improving working conditions, enhancing professional development, and promoting the reintegration of Nigerian-trained healthcare workers from the diaspora. These efforts are needed to build a resilient and sustainable healthcare system in Nigeria