The outgoing Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI), Professor Adekunle Ajayi, has issued a powerful call for a unified national strategy to address the crippling brain drain affecting Nigeria. Speaking at his valedictory media chat, Prof. Ajayi framed the exodus of skilled professionals as a pervasive social crisis requiring solutions far beyond the health sector alone.
A Multifaceted Crisis Demands a Multifaceted Solution
Prof. Ajayi identified a complex web of factors pushing Nigerians to seek opportunities abroad. Poor remuneration, weak staff retention policies, pervasive insecurity, and dilapidated road infrastructure were highlighted as primary culprits. He also pointed to inadequate welfare packages and systemic disruptions in the education sector, such as frequent academic union strikes, as significant contributors.
"To mitigate brain drain, it will require a multifaceted approach," Ajayi stated. He explained that the expectations of professionals and citizens vary widely based on personal experience. "An average doctor may be demanding salary increases; for an average patient, it may be improvement in the work environment. Someone who has experienced kidnapping may call for improved security," he illustrated, emphasizing that a one-size-fits-all solution is impossible.
The professor stressed that solving this national problem is not the sole responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Health. It demands the concerted involvement of every facet of Nigerian society, from security and works to education and finance.
Legacy of Transformation at FETHI
Reflecting on his eight-year tenure ending on January 1, 2026, Prof. Ajayi detailed substantial achievements anchored on a clear mission. His administration focused on building a quality medical system, driving organisational change, and ensuring reliable services.
Key accomplishments in staff welfare and management include:
- Prompt and regular payment of salaries and allowances.
- Upgrading and conversion of about 300 staff.
- Sponsorship of over 300 health attendants for professional upgrading with 50% tuition support.
- Adoption of an open-door policy across all cadres.
Infrastructure and service expansion were also major hallmarks:
- Large-scale renovation of clinical and administrative facilities.
- Expansion of the Intensive Care Unit from 4 to 12 beds.
- Improvement of internally generated revenue by about 1,000%.
- Training of over 1,000 doctors from more than 20 institutions nationwide.
- Provision of 90% of the hospital’s energy needs and 100% of its water supply internally.
- A 30% increase in consultant strength.
He also noted the approval of FETHI as a teaching hospital for the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in 2023 and the absence of local industrial action throughout his tenure.
On Medical Tourism and Local Capacity
Addressing the issue of medical tourism, Prof. Ajayi challenged the notion that it stems solely from a lack of local capacity. He argued that consumer choice plays a major role and that the decision to seek care abroad does not negate the existence of excellent facilities in Nigeria.
"Nigerian doctors and health workers are among the best trained globally," he asserted, noting that many Nigerians who travel for treatment often meet Nigerian professionals trained within the country. "There is capacity. Nigerian doctors demonstrate their skills and expertise when they go abroad. So, it is not about lack of capacity," he added.
While acknowledging remaining gaps in facilities, he credited the Federal Government for significant recent investments in health infrastructure. "There has been an unimaginable level of investment in the health system over the last few years," he said, emphasizing that his achievements were funded through responsible utilisation of government allocations.
Prof. Ajayi expressed confidence that he is handing over a hospital that is more stable, productive, and nationally visible than he met it. He plans to return to personal capacity building to serve humanity in other capacities and thanked the President for the opportunity to lead FETHI.
