Brain Drain In Nigeria’s Health Sector Will Impede National Development, Mimiko Warns

Former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, has raised concerns over the growing trend of brain drain in the country, particularly in the health sector, warning of its negative consequences on national development.

Mr Mimiko raised concerns while delivering a public lecture at an event to mark the 81st birthday celebration of Senator Bode Olajumoke in Akure on Tuesday.

The lecture, themed “Conqueror, Conquered and Consequences: A Discourse on Brain Drain,” was organised by the Bode Olajumoke Education and Hospitality Initiative (BOEHI).

Mr Mimiko described brain drain as a form of “national bleeding,” stressing that a country that continues to export its brightest minds would inevitably suffer stagnation across its critical sectors, including healthcare, education and technology.

He commended the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration (2023) as a good effort by the government.

The former governor added that the strategies of the policy had to be translated into fruition, through political will that would engender and encompass uninterrupted, adequate funding and policy consistency in the health sector.

“To fully tackle the subject of brain drain, Africa must come to the realisation that it has moved from being involuntarily conquered to being voluntarily conquered.

“The way out is for us all, particularly our leaders, to create circumstances and environment that will ensure that our brain is available for our services and development,” he said.

Mr Mimiko said the implementation of the 15 per cent budgetary allocation to health, as in the Abuja 2021 declaration, was a step that needed to be taken, as against the five per cent maximum ever allocated to health thus far.

Speaking, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the growing concern around brain drain, noting that his administration was committed to creating opportunities that encourage professionals to stay and thrive in the state.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, commended the choice of the topic as both timely and useful.

“It is particularly relevant in today’s world, where talent retention and development are crucial for economic growth and human well-being,” he added.