Former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has said that the health sector reforms initiated by the administration of President Bola Tinubu have the potential to address Nigeria’s persistent brain drain—if adequately funded and properly implemented.
Mimiko made the remark while delivering a lecture at an event in Akure on Tuesday to celebrate the 81st birthday of Senator Bode Olajumoke. The event was organised by the Bode Olajumoke Education and Hospitality Initiative (BOEHI).
Presenting a paper titled: “Conqueror, Conquered and Consequences: A Discourse on Brain Drain,” Mimiko described the “Medical Health Revamp – System-wide Reform Anchored on Increased Funding” policy as a commendable step in halting the mass emigration of medical professionals from Nigeria.
He noted that the proposed 15% budgetary allocation to the health sector marks a significant improvement from the historical maximum of 5%, and praised the 2023 National Policy on Health Workforce Migration as a timely intervention.
“To fully tackle brain drain, Africa must realise it has moved from involuntary to voluntary conquest. The way forward is for our leaders to create enabling environments that retain our best brains for national development,” he said.
While acknowledging some benefits of emigration such as skill transfer and technological advancement, Mimiko warned that the gains are being undermined by illicit financial flows and weakened local systems.
Speaking at the event, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, commended Senator Olajumoke’s commitment to human welfare and praised Mimiko’s lecture for addressing the urgent issue of talent retention.
The governor also pledged the state’s support for BOEHI’s initiatives aimed at improving education and healthcare access.
Chairman of the occasion and former Chief of Staff to late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Chief Olugbenga Ale, applauded the choice of topic and speaker, while the celebrant, Senator Olajumoke, expressed gratitude to God for life and pledged to continue impacting lives.
