By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Aniekan Peters, says about 75% of newly qualified doctors leave Nigeria within two years of graduation, citing poor remuneration and working conditions as major reasons for the trend.
Speaking with journalists in Uyo during activities marking the association’s Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Peters called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to establish at least seven medical training institutions to help address shortages of healthcare professionals. He said the migration of doctors, often referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon, has made it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain medical personnel in the state.
According to Peters, doctors earning about ₦400,000 monthly in Nigeria can earn significantly more abroad. He said the NMA is proposing a 2,000% increase in doctors’ wages in the state to improve retention.Peters also noted that recent recruitment exercises failed to fill approved vacancies. He said only about 50 doctors were recruited despite approval for 400 positions, while authorities also struggled to recruit 700 nurses until entry requirements were adjusted.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for approving a medical school at Akwa Ibom State University but argued that more institutions are needed. Peters said the state should expand medical education by upgrading existing health facilities, including the General Hospitals in Ikot Ekpene and Eket, as well as the Ibom Specialist Hospital, into medical training centres.
