The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, has urged new medical doctors from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) to shun ‘japa’ syndrome and practise in the country.

Adeyemo gave the charge at the induction ceremony of 144 medical graduands of the College of Health Sciences in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Monday, August 7, 2023.

The LUTH CMD, who congratulated the inductees, stressed the need for the young medics to contribute their quotas towards the peace and progress of the country.

Adeyemo, however, bemoaned low remuneration and general poor working conditions medical doctors are subjected to in the country.

He said: “It is important for such young professionals to stay behind in order to contribute their quotas to national development like many of their patriotic senior colleagues.

“While hoping that all will be well soon in addressing these factors, particularly remuneration, infrastructures, and adequate funding.

“It is important that we, elders in the profession, engage these younger ones about the many opportunities here such as clinical practice, public and private, academic, and research, among a very long list of opportunities.”

Adeyemo stated that it is not the proposed mandatory five-year practice that will mitigate the effect of the brain drain, but understanding why Nigerians always take delight in relocating to other countries.

He urged elders in the profession to create and allow free flow of mentoring between them and the young graduates as done in the law profession, saying young graduates should be discouraged from taking decisions that will hurt them.

The LUTH CMD added that young medical doctors need mentors among the elders to redirect their thoughts as he advised the graduands to emulate and be encouraged by the styles and accomplishments of their senior colleagues who remain at home to produce them.

Also speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILORIN, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, congratulated the graduands and their parents on the successful completion of their training.

Egbewole charged them to show the world compassion, care, and concern to humanity.

He added: “To show appreciation, do it to the Nigerian society that has produced you. Remember that the lexicon today has moved from ‘japa’ to ‘japada’.

“Therefore use the latest lexicon to stay here and make use of the best opportunity you have here.”