Babalola, who spoke during the 7th Induction and Oath Taking Ceremony of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) set at the ABUAD campus, noted that the poor remuneration of medical practitioners is the primary reason for the brain drain in the healthcare sector.
“The reason why Nigerian doctors and nurses leave this country immediately after completing their training is because the emoluments paid in Naira are much less than what cleaners in hospitals abroad earn. Worse still, doctors in many states and government hospitals have not been paid for many months. I appeal to the government to increase the salaries of doctors and ensure prompt payment,” Babalola said on Tuesday.
The induction ceremony saw 23 inductees receive multiple distinctions, with Motayo Oluwatosin, the valedictorian, having seven distinctions.
Prof. Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), who performed the induction and oath-taking, praised Babalola for his contributions to education and healthcare. “I congratulate you all. As you are graduating today, you are graduating with special opportunities because the Chancellor and his able team, the professors, command respect because ABUAD is respected both locally and internationally.”
Kyari expressed optimism about the federal government’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, saying, “This is our country, let us stay and improve it. I am actually optimistic about the transformative and ongoing efforts by the federal government to strengthen our health infrastructure across the country, and we believe in the health sector renewal initiative.”
