Dr Olusegun Mimiko calls for strong reforms to revamp Nigerian healthcare policies, aiming to reduce brain drain and secure sustainable system funding

Dr Olusegun Mimiko has made a passionate appeal for urgent action to revamp Nigerian healthcare policies, warning that the system is under serious threat from brain drain and underfunding.

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Speaking in Ibadan during the 37th AGM of the Committee of Directors of Health Services in Nigerian Universities, Mimiko emphasised the government’s responsibility to retain healthcare workers.

“The entire system needs retooling. From training to incentives, we must act as one,” he said.

He highlighted that despite the Abuja Declaration’s benchmark of 15 per cent, health funding remains below 5 per cent of Nigeria’s national budget.

Mimiko called for diplomatic engagement with countries benefiting from Nigerian-trained professionals and efficient resource management to reverse the trend.

Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Oyo State’s Commissioner for Health, agreed that clear policies and collaboration were essential.

She pointed out that university health services were vital to academic output, despite facing infrastructure decay and workforce losses.

“Still, some have grown into mini-hospitals with diagnostic capabilities,” she noted, urging better integration with national systems.

Dr Lekan Ador, Chair of CODHESNU, described the group as a platform for innovation and problem-solving, stressing the need for health insurance, career progression, and improved facilities.