Mimiko, Others Call For Strategies To Revamp Nigeria’s Healthcare
A former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has called for the implementation of policies to revamp the nation’s healthcare system to reduce brain drain and secure funding.
Mimiko stated this in Ibadan on Wednesday at the 37th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Committee of Directors of Health Services in Nigerian Universities.
He emphasized the urgent need to recognise the threat that brain drain poses to the healthcare system, urging the Nigerian government to develop policies to retain healthcare workers.
Having identified the implementation of policies as a challenge, Mimiko added that inadequate funding of the health sector was another key issue.
According to him, the current funding stood at below 5 per cent of the national budget, despite the Abuja Declaration of 15 per cent.
“Of course, apart from funding, we look at the entirety of our health system, including our training, and incentives for career progression.
“We must engage diplomatically with the countries that pool our health force. It’s the totality of a systemic action,” Mimiko said.
He, however, said that efficient resource deployment was essential to reversing the trend.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, highlighted the roles of the Nigerian university health services, noting that health was key to academic productivity.
According to her, they were originally established to provide comprehensive care to students and staff.
However, she noted the challenges of limited infrastructure, brain drain, and weak integration with national health systems.
“Despite these, some university clinics have advanced into mini-clinics with diagnostic labs and referral systems,” she said.
The commissioner stated the need for clear policies, adequate funding, and collaboration between the government and private sectors to improve university health centres.
She also advocated for partnerships with state systems, teaching hospitals, and Non-Government Organisations to enhance service delivery.
Ajetunmobi called for a forward-looking approach to building a healthy academic environment.
According to her, this is crucial to national development, and it ensures that every member of the university community has access to quality healthcare.
The Chairman of CODHESNU, Dr Lekan Ador, described the committee as a forum for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among university health directors.
He noted that the key challenges facing university health centres were poor funding for health insurance programmes, staff shortages due to brain drain, and infrastructure decay.
Ador called for indemnity insurance and standardised career progression for medical personnel, while he praised the University of Ibadan’s health services as a model.
He said this was owing to the innovations and visible commitment to staff and student well-being.
The chairman said the 2025 conference was historic with a focus on “University Health Services: Task, Present and Future”.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, urged the university health directors to take collective and strategic responsibility in discharging their roles.
He stated that the quality of university health services was vital to institutional well-being.
“By facing current issues and planning together, universities can build a stronger and healthier future,” he said.
The event featured the presentation of awards to Mimiko and Pastor Bridget Kolade.
The wife of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Dr Florence Ajimobi, was also among those awarded.