Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, believes mentorship is a crucial strategy to help Nigeria retain young medical professionals. Speaking at the conclusion of the fourth Dr. Abayomi Ajayi Mentoring Programme, she noted that many young doctors are discouraged by persistent negative news, leading them to believe that professional success is unattainable within Nigeria.
Ogunsola emphasized that genuine career fulfillment stems from creating value and making a tangible impact rather than solely focusing on financial gain. She explained that the program acts as a vital support system for doctors, offering guidance and networking opportunities that help them navigate their careers with clarity. Regarding the “Japa” trend of emigration, she encouraged doctors to pursue international experience strategically rather than as a reaction to perceived hopelessness, stressing that those who leave should eventually return to bolster the domestic healthcare sector.
Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, the program’s founder and leader of Nordica Fertility Centre, clarified that the initiative is not designed to prevent migration. Instead, it provides young doctors with a comprehensive view of the professional landscape, ensuring their career choices are based on informed planning rather than emotional impulse. The program brings together experts from medicine, business, and finance to teach leadership, financial literacy, and administrative skills that are often omitted from traditional medical school curricula.
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Kunle Onakoya highlighted that medical training often overlooks governance and management, creating a gap between clinical competence and professional leadership. Similarly, mentor Rashida Adebisi underscored the importance of financial education, noting that doctors need to understand investment and budgeting to succeed in the business side of medicine. Program Coordinator Ibiyemi Faturoti added that the initiative continues to adapt by incorporating multidisciplinary perspectives, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to lead healthcare organizations and contribute to the country’s development.
