Nigerian Doctor Reveals Harsh Realities in Lagos Hospital That Pushed Him to the UK
A Nigerian medical practitioner has publicly shared the severe challenges he encountered within Nigeria's healthcare system, which ultimately compelled him to relocate to the United Kingdom. In a viral social media post, the doctor, identified as Dr Tolu, recounted the distressing experiences from his early career in Nigeria, highlighting systemic issues that drove his decision to seek opportunities abroad.
Unpaid Housemanship and Professional Setbacks
According to Dr Tolu, he completed a grueling 14-month housemanship in Lagos, exceeding the standard 12-month period, without receiving any salary payments. This extended period of unpaid labor placed significant financial strain on him during a critical phase of his medical training. He further disclosed that when doctors at the hospital went on strike to protest these unpaid wages, the hospital authorities reported them to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), a move that could jeopardize their professional licenses.
Adding to his frustrations, the hospital refused to officially sign him off upon completion of his housemanship, creating additional delays in his career progression. This bureaucratic hurdle also resulted in a seven-month delay in his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, further stalling his professional development and income prospects.
Seven Years of Struggle and Preparation for Relocation
Despite these multiple setbacks, Dr Tolu persevered, working and saving diligently for seven years while preparing for the professional examinations required to practice medicine in the United Kingdom. This period of intense preparation and financial sacrifice underscores the determination many Nigerian healthcare professionals exhibit in seeking better opportunities overseas, often referred to as "Japa."
Significant Earnings Improvement in the UK
After successfully relocating to the United Kingdom, Dr Tolu experienced a dramatic improvement in his financial situation. He revealed that his salary for just six months in the UK exceeded the total income he had earned throughout all his years of working in Nigeria combined. This stark contrast in earnings highlights the economic disparities and poor remuneration that many Nigerian doctors face, contributing to the brain drain in the country's healthcare sector.
In his own words, Dr Tolu stated: "I did 14 months of house job in Lagos without pay. When we went on strike, they paid 8 months and reported us to MDCN. The hospital also refused to sign me off. My NYSC was delayed by 7 months. I worked & saved for 7 years, wrote my exams, and relocated to the UK. Six months salary in the UK was more than ALL my salaries in Nigeria COMBINED. Nigeria treats her Doctors poorly. Period."
Public Reactions and Broader Implications
The post has sparked widespread discussions online, with many netizens expressing solidarity and sharing similar experiences of underpayment and poor treatment across various professions in Nigeria. Comments ranged from calls to fix the broken system to comparisons of salaries and living expenses in different countries, reflecting a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with economic conditions in Nigeria.
This story is part of a larger narrative of Nigerian professionals, including doctors, leaving the country in search of better working conditions and fair compensation. It raises critical questions about the retention of skilled medical personnel and the need for systemic reforms in Nigeria's healthcare and employment sectors to address these pressing issues.
