UNIOSUN VC Urges New Doctors to Stay and Serve Nigeria Despite ‘Japa’ Opportunities

The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Clement Adebooye, has appealed to the institution’s newly inducted medical graduates to resist the growing temptation to leave Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad, popularly known as “Japa.”

Adebooye made the appeal on Thursday during the induction of 90 pioneer medical graduates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) at the university’s auditorium in Osogbo, Osun State.

The induction, conducted by the MDCN Registrar, Prof. Fatima Kyari, marked a significant milestone for UNIOSUN, which has faced several challenges in establishing and securing accreditation for its medical programme.

Addressing the new doctors, Adebooye described their induction as a major achievement for the university and a testament to the dedication of those who worked to revive the medical programme.

He congratulated the graduates, saying their achievement represented the culmination of years of determination, sacrifice and commitment by the university community.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the doctors to consider the urgent healthcare needs of Nigerians when making decisions about their careers.

He acknowledged that international opportunities could be attractive, but stressed that Nigeria needed their knowledge, skills and expertise.

According to him, millions of Nigerians still struggle to access basic healthcare services, while the country’s health sector continues to face significant challenges.

Adebooye therefore encouraged the graduates to balance their personal ambitions with patriotism, professional responsibility and the desire to make a meaningful difference in society.

He said their training should not only provide them with opportunities for personal advancement but should also help improve healthcare delivery and save lives across the country.

The Vice-Chancellor also recalled the difficult history of UNIOSUN’s MBBS programme, noting that it suffered a major setback around 2011 when the programme was threatened with cancellation because the state government could not afford to establish a teaching hospital.

The crisis left two sets of medical students uncertain about their academic future, with some eventually transferred to Karazin Kharkiv National University in Ukraine to complete their medical education.

Adebooye said that between 2012 and 2018, the university’s medical programme was effectively suspended, with little hope that it would be revived.

He, however, credited former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Labo Popoola with beginning efforts to restore the programme after assuming office in November 2016.

Adebooye also praised former Osun State Governor, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, for approving the continuation of the MBBS programme in 2018, describing the decision as a turning point that helped bring the programme back to life.

He further commended the current administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for providing financial support that assisted the university in addressing infrastructure and accreditation challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the newly inducted doctors to uphold the ethics of the medical profession and remain committed to serving humanity, particularly at a time when Nigeria continues to experience shortages of healthcare professionals.

The induction of the 90 graduates represents a significant achievement for UNIOSUN and marks the emergence of its first set of fully inducted medical doctors.

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