Brain drain: Academy urges federal and state governments to harness local expertise

Author: Sola OgundipePublished on: October 28, 2026Country: Nigeria

HealthScience

Brain drain: Academy urges federal and state governments to harness local expertise

The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has urged federal and state governments to draw on its scholars’ expertise to strengthen health policy and improve healthcare. Academy president Emeritus Professor Osato Frank Giwa-Osagie said Nigeria’s medical knowledge is underused and professionals need opportunities to contribute at home rather than leave for work abroad. He also called for disease surveillance and emergency preparedness to be strengthened in every state, rather than concentrated in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory. The Academy announced that its 2026 convocation will include a scientific conference on the genetics and genomics of non-communicable diseases and the induction of 13 new Fellows.

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