Diaspora Professionals Call for Stronger Partnership to Reform Nigeria’s Health Sector
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Nigerian professionals living abroad have renewed calls for closer collaboration with the Federal Government to address persistent challenges in the country’s healthcare system. The appeal highlights growing concern over the widening gap between available expertise and the conditions under which medical services are delivered locally.
The call was amplified by Dr. Oluwole Adeniyan, chairman of the UK chapter of the University of Lagos Alumni Association, who stressed that harnessing diaspora knowledge and experience is essential to driving meaningful reform in the sector.
Speaking during a recent engagement following a donation to the University of Lagos, Adeniyan explained that diaspora groups are increasingly focused on giving back through structured initiatives that go beyond financial contributions. According to him, strengthening institutional ties remains central to these efforts.
He noted that while Nigerian graduates continue to demonstrate strong academic capability, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to modern tools pose serious obstacles to competing globally. He warned that without targeted investments in technology and learning resources, the gap could continue to widen.
On healthcare specifically, Adeniyan described the system as being under sustained pressure, citing poor funding, insufficient equipment, and weak primary healthcare structures. He added that these challenges often prevent highly trained professionals from delivering optimal care.
The diaspora community, he said, is willing to contribute more actively through medical outreach programmes, virtual knowledge-sharing platforms, and policy engagement. However, he maintained that a coordinated framework is needed to channel these contributions effectively.
Addressing the issue of brain drain, Adeniyan pointed out that many professionals leave Nigeria in search of stability and better working conditions. He argued that improving security, ensuring steady power supply, and offering competitive remuneration would reduce the rate at which skilled workers exit the country.
He also advocated for structured “circular migration” initiatives that would allow diaspora experts to periodically return to Nigeria to teach, train, and practise. Such programmes, he said, could help strengthen local capacity without requiring permanent relocation.
Beyond healthcare, Adeniyan encouraged Nigerians abroad to play a more active role in governance and national development, noting that their exposure to global systems positions them to contribute practical, data-driven solutions to policy and leadership challenges.
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