The president of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, has called on the Nigerian government to raise doctors’ salaries significantly, arguing that no medical practitioner should earn less than ₦1m a month in the current economic climate.
Speaking on Monday at the 32nd induction ceremony of medical graduates into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Dr John Omotoso said poor remuneration and deteriorating working conditions were driving an exodus of healthcare professionals from the country.
He warned that the continued migration of doctors, nurses and other health workers in search of better opportunities abroad was leaving hospitals understaffed and undermining the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
“The truth is that practising medicine in this country is no longer appealing or encouraging,” Omotoso said. “The faster the government moves to address this challenge, the better for all of us.”
The ARD president urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the health sector, describing the crisis as one that requires urgent and far-reaching intervention.
Among the measures he proposed was legislation barring politicians and senior public officials from seeking medical treatment overseas, arguing that such a policy would compel authorities to invest more seriously in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
“One of the most radical steps that can be taken is to stop politicians and public office holders from going outside this country to seek medical attention,” he said.
“If those responsible for hospital funding are not using the same hospitals as ordinary citizens, the problem will continue. This should be the starting point in redeeming the image of medical practice in Nigeria.”
Omotoso also criticised the disparity between the remuneration of healthcare workers and political office holders, saying the government must prioritise investment in human resources if it hopes to reverse the growing brain drain.
“Given the reality of our present economy, no medical doctor should earn less than ₦1m per month,” he said. “An average politician receives that amount as an allowance. The government must understand that poorly motivated workers may not be able to give their best.”
According to him, newly employed doctors currently earn between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000 a month, a figure he described as inadequate in the face of rising inflation and the escalating cost of living.
He argued that a substantial salary review would not only improve morale among health workers but could also encourage many Nigerian doctors practising abroad to return home.
Addressing the 71 newly inducted medical graduates, Omotoso urged them to embrace innovation and technological advancement, particularly artificial intelligence, which he said was transforming healthcare and other professions worldwide.
He also encouraged the graduates to maintain strong ties with their alma mater and contribute to its future development.
Speaking on the theme, “The Road Ahead: Connecting Today’s Graduate with Tomorrow’s Legacy”, the immediate past ARD president of the hospital, Dr Olusola Monehin, urged the graduates to uphold the ethical standards of the medical profession while demonstrating compassion in their practice.
Monehin emphasised the importance of integrity, innovation and mentorship, noting that guidance from experienced professionals could prove invaluable as young doctors navigate the challenges of their careers.
“Sometimes a single conversation can become a lifeline,” he said, encouraging the graduates to seek mentorship and remain committed to lifelong learning as they enter a profession facing mounting pressures and expectations.
