Forty-two years after graduating from the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, members of the institution's 1984 medical class have called for urgent reforms to strengthen Nigeria's healthcare system, improve medical education and address the growing migration of health professionals.

The appeal was made during their 42-year reunion held in Ikoyi, Lagos, where 39 doctors from Nigeria and the diaspora gathered under the theme, "The Medical Profession: Lifelong Service through Learning and Giving 42 Years of Stewardship after Graduation." Sponsored by the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, the reunion celebrated decades of service while providing a platform to discuss the challenges confronting Nigeria's health sector.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled "The Future of Medical Practice in Nigeria – Random Musings," Consultant Rheumatologist and Professor of Medicine, Prof. Olufemi Adelowo, described Nigeria's healthcare indicators as among the poorest globally. He noted that the country continues to grapple with high infant, neonatal and maternal mortality rates, while life expectancy remains between 53 and 56 years.

According to him, the statistics reflect deep systemic weaknesses that require urgent intervention.

"The statistics tell us that our health system still has enormous challenges. Beyond the numbers, there is widespread ignorance about diseases, with many illnesses still attributed to spiritual attacks or ancestral causes instead of people seeking appropriate medical care," he said.

Prof. Adelowo identified the continued migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals, popularly known as the Japa phenomenon, as one of the biggest threats to the country's health system.

He disclosed that over 15,700 Nigerian-trained doctors currently practise in the United Kingdom, nearly 3,900 are licensed in the United States, while hundreds more work in Canada. Although Nigeria produces about 6,000 doctors annually, he noted that between 25 and 65 per cent leave the country every year, with an estimated 16,000 doctors emigrating between 2019 and 2024.

He urged governments to improve working conditions, modernise hospitals, upgrade medical equipment and create a more attractive environment for specialist practice to retain skilled professionals.

The professor also criticised the poor state of healthcare infrastructure, citing unreliable electricity, inadequate water supply, obsolete medical equipment, poor accommodation for resident doctors and weak maintenance culture in many hospitals.

He advocated long-term maintenance contracts for hospitals, improved specialist services in secondary healthcare facilities, compulsory continuing medical education and stricter enforcement against fake drugs, unqualified practitioners and misleading medical advertisements.

"Government must prosecute offenders to serve as a deterrent. Patient safety should never be compromised," he stressed.

Programme Coordinator and Founder of Ladkem Eye Hospital, Dr Festus Odunayo Oshoba, described the reunion as a celebration of more than four decades of service to humanity.

He said members of the class have become employers of labour, philanthropists, mentors and medical specialists who have contributed significantly to national development.

"Our message to young people is simple: there are no shortcuts. Get a good education, develop yourself, follow due process, and use your talents to give back to society. We are remembered not for what we acquire but for what we contribute," Oshoba said.

While acknowledging concerns over the migration of doctors, he argued that Nigerian professionals abroad continue to contribute through remittances, technology transfer and international collaborations, expressing optimism that sustained reforms could encourage many to return home.

Consultant Physician and Clinical Director of St Nicholas Hospital, Dr Ebun Bamgboye, defended the quality of Nigeria's medical education, insisting that Nigerian-trained doctors continue to excel across the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East and other parts of the world.

"I don't agree that the quality of medical education has diminished. We continue to be impressed by the graduates coming out of Nigerian medical schools," he said.

He, however, noted that poor remuneration remains the major factor driving doctors abroad, pointing out that junior doctors overseas often earn significantly more than senior professors in Nigeria. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that improved economic conditions could eventually reverse the migration trend.

Chairman of the reunion and founder of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, Dr Tunji Olowolafe, described the gathering as a celebration of lifelong friendship and a shared commitment to service.

"We've known one another since 1978 and 1979. Today is about celebrating life, friendship and the journey we've shared," he said.

Other alumni also reflected on their experiences at the University of Ilorin. Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prof. Adegboyega Fawole, recalled the academic discipline and resilience that shaped their generation, while Consultant Physician, Dr Solomon Alabi Olaegun, shared how studying medicine helped him discover his sickle cell condition, enabling him to better manage his health and dedicate his life to serving others.

The reunion ended with a renewed commitment by the alumni to continue mentoring younger medical professionals, supporting healthcare development and contributing to national progress through lifelong service.