Nigerian Government Boosts Nurses’ Enrollment To 120,000 Annually Amid ‘Japa’ Syndrome Concerns

Nigerian Government Boosts Nurses’ Enrollment To 120,000 Annually Amid ‘Japa’ Syndrome Concerns

The Nigerian government has announced a significant increase in the annual intake of nurses from 28,000 to 120,000, attributing the move to address the challenge of health workers migrating abroad in search of better opportunities, popularly referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome.’…..READ ALSO Nigerian Government Initiates Plan To Construct Additional Dams For Irrigation

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, revealed this development during his visit to the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State. He emphasized the government’s commitment to combatting the brain drain phenomenon and ensuring the stability of the nation’s healthcare sector.

Alausa highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s executive order aimed at curbing the ‘Japa Syndrome’ and bolstering the health workforce within the country. He emphasized that health workers seeking employment overseas must resign from their positions rather than applying for leave of absence, as previously permitted.

The minister underscored the importance of maintaining an adequate supply of skilled healthcare professionals to fill vacancies left by those who choose to work abroad. He noted that the government’s efforts had already resulted in a significant increase in nurses’ enrollment, from 28,000 to 68,000, with plans to further escalate it to 120,000 by the end of the year.

Alausa emphasized that the government was cognizant of the challenges posed by manpower shortages in federal health institutions and was taking proactive measures to address them. He urged health workers to adhere to the presidential directive and resign from their positions before pursuing opportunities abroad, thereby facilitating seamless replacements and preventing undue burden on colleagues left behind.

The minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its citizens by prioritizing the enhancement of the healthcare sector and fostering a conducive environment for healthcare professionals to thrive domestically.