The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has announced a lump sum of ₦200 million as allowances to support the residency training of 150 medical doctors. Mr Zulum announced this Wednesday during a meeting with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Maiduguri, as part of measures to discourage the “Japa” syndrome and “to elevate the quality of healthcare services in the state.” “Japa” is a Nigerian slang used to describe the act of professionals leaving Nigeria to seek better opportunities and living conditions abroad.
Nigeria loses thousands of health workers annually to the Japa syndrome. Under his new initiative, the Borno governor said 50 medical doctors employed by the state government will each receive ₦2 million, while over 100 Borno indigenes working in federal institutions are slated to receive ₦1 million each. These allowances are in addition to their normal salaries and allowances.
He said the financial support is intended to provide doctors with advanced clinical skills, practical experience, and specialised training, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of medical services in the region. Nigeria has been grappling with brain drain, as thousands of Nigerian health professionals, including doctors, leave the country yearly to seek greener pastures. PREMIUM TIMES delivers fact-based journalism for Nigerians, by Nigerians — and our community of supporters, the readers who donate, make our work possible.
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