Nigeria’s health sector needs proactive professionals to improve healthcare

 

 

 

Nigeria’s healthcare sector urgently needs forward-thinking professionals who will identify challenges and develop practical, sustainable solutions that improve patient outcomes.

Oyo State commissioner for health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, made this statement at the 19th convocation ceremony of Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology (OSCHST) and acceptance of 1254 inductees of different cadres into the health profession.

Dr Ajetunmobi said there is a growing need for dedicated professionals to build thriving careers in the health sector, pioneer initiatives, transform communities and leave enduring legacies.

She said that although there are tempting opportunities for health professionals abroad, there is a vast untapped potential within Nigeria’s healthcare system for healthcare professionals.

Dr Ajetunmobi, therefore, urged the graduands to join the community of healthcare professionals and see themselves as problem-solvers, innovators and leaders.

“Seek innovative ways to apply your knowledge, collaborate with your peers and drive impactful solutions that will uplift healthcare delivery in Oyo State and Nigeria at large,” she declared.

Representative of Oyo governor and commissioner for education, Professor Abdulwaheed Adelabu, said the government is fully committed to ensuring they thrive and has deliberately prioritized investments in healthcare infrastructure, enhanced welfare packages and improved working conditions.

He urged them to let their passion for healthcare not only transform their careers but also uplift the communities they serve, stressing that they shouldn’t merely leave with certificates but as healthcare champions, as guardians of life and wellness and as ambassadors of knowledge and compassion.

Professor Adelabu urged the new inductees to stay back and work in Nigeria to add to the gross development product (GDP) and assured that soon the new Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology bill would be assented to also by Governor Seyi Makinde.  

OSCHST’s provost, Pharmacist Yemisi Oyewo, announced newly approved higher diploma programmes for the college, 6 accredited programmes by the respective professional regulatory bodies, as well as additional programmes in the college will be offering.

These include diploma certificates in social work, medical social work, mental health and psychiatric rehabilitation, healthcare administration and management and medical store management.

She highlighted challenges by the college to include inadequate funding, insufficient monthly subvention and insufficient and outdated infrastructure.

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Pharm Oyewo, however, urged the 1254 graduands from the 2022 to 2024 academic sessions at the school to be excellent and innovative ambassadors of the college and make positive contributions to the growth and development of the health sector.

She urged them to embrace opportunities, face challenges with courage and strive to improve the healthcare sector wherever they find themselves.