President Bola Tinubu has challenged the West African College of Physicians (WACP) to address the growing issue of Nigerian and West African doctors emigrating, often referred to as the ‘Japa’ phenomenon. In a statement made during the WACP’s golden jubilee and annual general and scientific meeting in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the need for the college to find solutions to this pressing issue. According to Punch Newspapers, the WACP’s Assistant Secretary-General, Hasibu Galadanci, disclosed this at a press conference on Saturday, highlighting the President’s call to action. The ‘Japa’ syndrome, a Yoruba term meaning ‘to run away’, has become a significant concern in recent years, with numerous medical professionals leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. The exact number of doctors leaving Nigeria annually is uncertain, but the trend has raised concerns about the impact on Nigeria’s healthcare system. President Tinubu’s call for the WACP to help resolve this issue underscores the urgency for action, as the loss of skilled medical professionals could exacerbate the country’s healthcare challenges. The WACP, established in 1972, aims to improve the standards of medical practice in West Africa and promote cooperation among member countries. It remains to be seen how the college will respond to the President’s call, but its role in addressing the ‘Japa’ phenomenon could have far-reaching implications for the future of healthcare in Nigeria and West Africa.
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