Medical students now plan japa before graduation — NMA

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that a growing number of medical students are planning to leave Nigeria even before completing their training. NMA President Prof Afekhide-Ernest Omoti disclosed this during an interview with Sunday PUNCH, highlighting the alarming trend as a threat to the country's healthcare system.

According to Omoti, some Nigerian medical students are already preparing for foreign qualifying examinations before graduating, with the intention of relocating shortly after obtaining professional registration. He emphasized that the situation has become so entrenched that young doctors are writing foreign examinations during their internship to ensure a quick exit from the country after completing their registration.

The NMA president stressed the need for urgent intervention from the Federal Government to address the issue, urging the government to create conditions that would provide young doctors with confidence in building their careers within the country.