Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has announced a significant financial support package of ₦200 million to enhance the residency training of 150 medical doctors.
This announcement was made during a meeting with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
The initiative aims to combat the “Japa” syndrome—a term referring to the emigration of professionals from Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad—and to improve the quality of healthcare services in the state.
Under the new scheme, 50 medical doctors employed by the state government will each receive ₦2 million, while over 100 Borno indigenes working in federal institutions will receive ₦1 million each. These allowances are in addition to their regular salaries and benefits.
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Governor Zulum explained that this financial support is designed to enhance doctors’ clinical skills, provide practical experience, and offer specialized training, thereby improving medical services in the region.
Nigeria faces a significant brain drain, with thousands of health professionals leaving the country annually.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, recently revealed that Nigeria now has only 55,000 licensed doctors, following the departure of 16,000 doctors over the past five years and the transfer of about 17,000 others. He also noted that 67 percent of Nigerian doctors who migrate choose to practice in the United Kingdom.
In response to this issue, President Bola Tinubu recently approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration. This policy aims to manage and potentially reverse the migration of health workers by offering attractive incentives and encouraging their return to Nigeria.
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Governor Zulum underscored his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services and appreciated the collaboration of national health leaders. He stressed the importance of well-trained medical professionals in ensuring high-quality healthcare delivery and called on the NMA to partner with the state government to enhance healthcare services.
The governor outlined additional plans for the healthcare sector, including recruiting over 1,000 medical personnel, constructing doctors’ quarters, establishing a state university teaching hospital, and providing scholarships to medical students.
His administration also plans to allocate more than 15 percent of its budget to healthcare and improve primary healthcare facilities in Borno.
In response, the NMA praised Governor Zulum as a “champion for quality healthcare and the welfare of health workers.” NMA President Bala Audu commended the governor for his leadership and urged him to continue advocating for universal quality healthcare.
Audu also highlighted the governor’s achievements in healthcare infrastructure and the successful medical outreach programs that have advanced healthcare services in the state.
