Former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has called for the implementation of policies to revamp the nation’s healthcare system to reduce brain drain and secure funding.
Mimiko made the call Wednesday in Ibadan at the 37th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Committee of Directors of Health Services in Nigerian Universities, CODHESNU.
He emphasised the urgent need to recognise the threat that brain drain poses to the healthcare system, urging government to develop policies to retain health workers.
Having identified the implementation of policies as a challenge, Mimiko added that inadequate funding of the health sector is another key issue.
According to him, the current funding stands at below five percent of the national budget, despite the Abuja Declaration of 15 percent.
“Of course, apart from funding, we look at the entirety of our health system, including our training and incentives for career progression.
“We must engage diplomatically with the countries that pool our health force. It is the totality of a systemic action,” Mimiko said.
He, however, noted that efficient resource deployment is essential in reversing the trend.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, highlighted the roles of university health services, noting that health is key to academic productivity.
According to her, they were originally established to provide comprehensive care to students and staff.
However, she noted the challenges of limited infrastructure, brain drain and weak integration with national health systems.
“Despite these, some university clinics have advanced into mini-clinics with diagnostic laboratories and referral systems,” she said.
The commissioner stated the need for clear policies, adequate funding and collaboration between government and the private sector to improve university health centres.
She also advocated partnership with state systems, teaching hospitals, and Non-Governmental Organisations to enhance service delivery.
Ajetunmobi called for a forward-looking approach to build a healthy academic environment.
According to her, this is crucial to national development and it ensures that every member of the university community has access to quality healthcare.
The Chairman of CODHESNU, Dr Lekan Ador described the committee as a forum for collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing among university health directors.
He noted that the key challenges facing university health centres are poor funding for health insurance programmes, staff shortages due to brain drain and infrastructural decay.
Ador called for indemnity insurance and standardised career progression for medical personnel, while he praised the University of Ibadan’s health services as a model.
He said this followed innovations and visible commitment to staff and student well-being.
The chairman said the 2025 conference was historic with focus on “University Health Services: Task, Present and Future”.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale urged university health directors to take collective and strategic responsibility in discharging their roles.
He stated that the quality of university health services is vital to institutional well-being.
“By facing current issues and planning together, universities can build a stronger and healthier future,” he said.
The event featured the presentation of awards to Mimiko and Pastor Bridget Kolade.
Wife of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Dr Florence Ajimobi was also among those honoured.
