Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerian doctors to stay in Nigeria and work with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to improve the nation. Shettima urged medical professionals to resist the “japa syndrome”, the trend of leaving the country for opportunities abroad. He emphasized that President Tinubu understands and supports the doctors who choose to remain. Shettima made these remarks on Tuesday during a visit from the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Medical Association, led by its new President, Prof. Bala Audu, at the Presidential Villa.
In a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communication (Office of the Vice President), Vice President Shettima praised doctors for their efforts in improving Nigeria’s healthcare system. He encouraged them to mentor young doctors in key medical specialties and to address the issue of unqualified practitioners in the profession.
The NMA President, Prof. Audu, stated that the executive members visited the Villa to express their support for the Tinubu administration, particularly its commendable health sector policies. He also assured the Vice President that the NMA is committed to the nation and will back the government’s health policies to enhance healthcare delivery and access for all Nigerians. He also praised the Tinubu administration’s health policies, noting that their full implementation will expand specialist training opportunities through the residency training program and enhance the quality of postgraduate medical education.
“We are sure that this government will address the infrastructural needs to be able to sustain the quality of this training as well as the remuneration that will improve the wellbeing of Nigerian doctors to remain and serve in this country,” he declared.
