Lagos, Nigeria – The severe shortage of medical professionals in Nigeria has worsened, with Lagos State facing a staggering deficit of 30,000 medical practitioners, according to Prof. Akin Abayomi, the State Commissioner for Health. This crisis is exacerbated by the mass exodus of doctors seeking better opportunities abroad, further depleting the country’s already strained healthcare workforce.
Speaking at the induction ceremony for the 18th set of graduating medical doctors and 8th set of graduating dental surgeons at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Abayomi emphasized the urgent need for specialized medical professionals to address the manpower shortage. He appealed to the inductees to consider specializing in various fields and contributing to the development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The Commissioner acknowledged the freedom of choice for medical professionals to seek opportunities abroad but encouraged them to make a positive impact in Nigeria, either by staying or returning after gaining international experience.
The Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, commended the State Government for its continuous support of the institution’s development. The Provost of LASUCOM, Prof. Abiodun Adewuya, encouraged the inductees to expand their horizons in the health sector and announced the College’s aim to produce at least 1000 medical doctors in the next five years.
The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan, congratulated the inductees and urged them to contribute significantly to the country’s healthcare sector, noting the government’s substantial investment in their subsidized education.
The induction ceremony saw 81 new medical professionals sworn in, with awards presented to the overall Best Medical Student, Okenwa Rejoice Chisom, and the best dental student, Okoh Gloria Anuoluwa. To date, LASUCOM has produced 1093 medical doctors and 51 dental surgeons.
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