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Nigeria spends over $21,000 to train one doctor — Health Minister

Published

12 months ago

April 9, 2025

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammad Pate

Nigeria spends over $21,000 to train one doctor — Health Minister

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, said it costs over $21,000 to train a single doctor in Nigeria.

The Minister disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the seventh annual capacity-building workshop of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa, themed “Integrated healthcare regulation and leadership in building resilient health systems.”

He also said more than 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last five to seven years, with nurses and midwives also emigrating in significant numbers.

Pate described the mass migration of Africa’s healthcare workforce as alarming, warned that this trend has led to a dangerously low doctor-to-population ratio of 3.9 per 10,000 people far below the global minimum.

The fiscal and moral cost of brain drain

He observed that while the mobility of health workers is not a new phenomenon, the current scale of emigration poses a significant threat to both national and continental health systems.

“We are confronted with a paradox. It represents a fiscal loss, a systemic weakening, and a moral imperative.

“The cost of training a single doctor exceeds $21,000.

“The country loses millions of dollars in human capital investment when professionals migrate without structured reintegration or ethical recruitment frameworks,” the Minister added.

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To address the issue, Pate unveiled Nigeria’s National Policy on Health Workforce Migration—one of the flagship initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).

He emphasized that the policy is not about restriction, but about dignity for the health worker, the country, and the profession.

He outlined the key objectives of the policy, which include retaining and motivating existing health workers despite challenging conditions, promoting ethical recruitment practices through bilateral agreements, and expanding training capacity to meet both domestic and international demands.
He noted that over 60,000 frontline health workers have been retrained in the past year, with a target of 120,000. Additionally, medical and allied health training quotas have been doubled.
The policy also seeks to address geographical disparities in workforce distribution. “More than 40% of our doctors are concentrated in Lagos and Abuja.

“We cannot force relocation, but we can incentivize it with housing, digital connectivity, and workplace dignity, “he said.

Harnessing the power of the diaspora

Pate emphasized the importance of engaging the diaspora, highlighting the return of Nigerian doctors, oncologists, and surgeons who are now establishing advanced medical facilities in cities like Lagos and Maiduguri.

He pointed to the ongoing conference of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) in Lagos as a clear example of renewed diaspora commitment to the country’s health sector.
According to him, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is leading efforts to monitor recruitment practices, support returnees, and harmonize regulations across Africa.

“We are not trying to stop migration. We are building a system where our professionals no longer feel the need to leave or settle for less elsewhere,” he said.

He called on African nations to develop a continental compact on workforce mobility, anchored on shared standards, ethical recruitment, investment in training, and strategic negotiation with destination countries.

“This is our moment, not for nostalgia, but for bold reform. From brain drain to brain gain, from loss to system strengthening, Africa must lead,” he said.

The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Hon. Dr. Tanko Sununu, called for self-reliance and sustainability, stressing that businesses or services cannot be expected to operate for free.

Sununu encouraged building the capacity to function independently while still collaborating effectively with others. He emphasized that the focus was on developing a sustainable model that would not depend heavily on external support.

Nigeria spends over $21,000 to train one doctor — Health Minister

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Court Dismisses Sowore’s Suit Against DSS, Meta

Published

9 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and political activist

Court Dismisses Sowore’s Suit Against DSS, Meta

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and political activist, against the Department of State Services (DSS), its Director‑General, and Meta Platforms Incorporated (formerly Facebook). The court held that the suit, which challenged the removal of a social media post and deactivation of Sowore’s Facebook account, lacked merit, and awarded a total of ₦1.5 million in costs against him.

Justice Mohammed Umar, who delivered the judgment, explained that the suit failed on all key legal issues, including claims relating to fair hearing, freedom of expression, and freedom of association under the Nigerian Constitution. Sowore had alleged that Meta, acting on instructions from the DSS and its Director-General, removed his post on August 26, 2025, in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”, and subsequently deactivated his account.

Sowore’s legal team argued that the removal of the post and account action violated his constitutional rights to fair hearing, free expression, and association. He joined the DSS, its DG, Meta Platforms Inc., Meta Platforms Ltd., and Facebook Nigeria Operations Ltd. as respondents in the suit. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1887/2025, sought declaratory reliefs against the respondents for allegedly infringing these rights.

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In his ruling, Justice Umar stated that the right to fair hearing under Section 36(1) of the Constitution applies only to proceedings before courts or tribunals, not to complaints made by non-judicial bodies or private platforms. The judge emphasized that Sowore’s claim on fair hearing was therefore not justiciable under the fundamental rights enforcement procedure.

The court also found that Sowore’s freedom of expression and association were not violated, noting that constitutional rights are not absolute and may be restricted to protect the rights and reputation of others. The judge clarified that the DSS’s complaint to Meta and the platform’s action to remove the post were lawful steps under existing policies, and did not constitute a violation of Sowore’s rights.

Regarding the reliefs sought, Justice Umar held that Sowore failed to prove that his constitutional rights had been or were likely to be violated, and that the reliefs were therefore unwarranted. The suit was dismissed in its entirety.

Following applications for costs by counsel to the DSS and its DG, as well as Meta, the court awarded ₦500,000 each to the DSS, its DG, and Meta Platforms, totaling ₦1.5 million to be paid by Sowore.

The case highlights ongoing debates in Nigeria over online freedom of expression, state interventions, and the role of global tech platforms in moderating content following complaints by government agencies. Sowore, known for his activism and political engagement, has previously been involved in legal disputes and protests concerning government accountability and free speech.

Court Dismisses Sowore’s Suit Against DSS, Meta

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Kano APC Chieftain Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator Accident

Published

9 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Abdulsalami Ginsau, the Assistant Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State

Kano APC Chieftain Abdulsalami Ginsau Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator Accident

Tragic details have emerged surrounding the death of Abdulsalami Ginsau, the Assistant Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, who died after being trapped in a faulty elevator at Chida Hotels in Utako District, Abuja. The incident occurred on Friday, March 27, 2026, during the APC national convention.

Ginsau, a respected lawyer and party stalwart, had travelled to Abuja to coordinate accommodation for APC delegates from Kano State. After settling the delegates, he checked into Chida Hotels, unaware of the malfunctioning elevator in the facility. Sources reveal that although 150 rooms had been booked, over 1,000 delegates arrived, overwhelming the hotel’s capacity. The hotel reportedly raised concerns over elevator safety, but these warnings were reportedly ignored.

In the early hours of Friday, Ginsau reportedly entered the malfunctioning elevator on the third floor. The lift shaft was empty, and he tragically fell, going unnoticed until the following day, when staff detected a strong odor, prompting a search that led to the discovery of his remains.

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The Utako Police Division confirmed the incident, stating that the hotel management reported the accident on Saturday, March 28, 2026. An autopsy and police investigation are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.

The Kano State APC has called for a thorough investigation, alleging potential negligence by the hotel. Party leaders noted that Ginsau was in good health before the trip. A committee has been set up to work with security agencies to uncover the facts. The Kano State Government has also reached out to the family to ensure accountability and transparency.

Speaking for the family, Hamza Haladu described the death as “a complete shock,” highlighting Ginsau’s good health before the trip. The APC stalwart, known for his expertise in corporate, commercial, and property law, is survived by two wives and two children. His funeral is scheduled to take place in Kano on Thursday, April 3, 2026, in accordance with Islamic rites.

Ginsau held several leadership roles in the legal profession, including CEO of Ginsau & Sons and litigation work with Ginsau & Co. Advocates, specialising in labour, corporate, estate, and family law. Within the APC, he was a key strategist, playing a central role in party organisation in Kano State.

Kano APC Chieftain Abdulsalami Ginsau Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator Accident

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VeryDarkMan Dares Sowore Over Blord’s Kuje Prison Remand

Published

9 hours ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

VeryDarkMan Dares Sowore Over Blord’s Kuje Prison Remand

Controversial social media activist VeryDarkMan has fired back at politician and activist Omoyele Sowore following his criticism of the incarceration of cryptocurrency entrepreneur Blord. The case has ignited widespread discussion about identity theft, impersonation laws, and online accountability in Nigeria.

Blord, whose real name is Linus Williams Ifejirika, was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre on April 1, 2026, after being charged with criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and unauthorized use of VeryDarkMan’s identity for commercial purposes. Court proceedings have been scheduled to continue with Blord in custody until April 27, 2026.

The legal action arose after Blord allegedly used VeryDarkMan’s image without consent, including on promotional materials and advertisements, falsely presenting himself as a partner or endorser of certain businesses. VeryDarkMan claimed Blord even went as far as forging flight tickets in his name to promote events.

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In response to Sowore’s public condemnation of the case, VeryDarkMan took to Instagram to express disappointment that Sowore opted to speak publicly instead of contacting him privately. He warned Sowore against unauthorized use of his identity and threatened legal action if similar actions occurred.

“Dear Omoyele Sowore… because of the respect I have for you, if you had asked me to let it go, I might have,” VeryDarkMan wrote. “But instead, you chose to test your strength… On God, if you cross this path and use my face or name to promote any business without my approval, I, Martins Vincent Otse, will send you to prison… you might end up begging to discontinue the case.”

VeryDarkMan emphasized that the case highlights how wealth and influence do not place anyone above the law, pointing out that Blord—despite being perceived as well-connected—was remanded. This, he asserts, sends a strong message about the consequences of identity theft and impersonation in Nigeria.

Sowore, for his part, condemned the “celebration” of Blord’s incarceration, warning that the law should not be weaponized to target individuals. He pledged to work toward having the case dropped and Blord released, asserting that justice must be fair and impartial.

The dispute has sparked heated debates on social media, with some supporting VeryDarkMan’s strict stance on protecting personal identity, while others echo Sowore’s concerns about legal overreach and fairness. Observers note that the case has also raised questions about digital rights, online reputation management, and enforcement of impersonation laws in Nigeria’s fast-growing tech ecosystem.

As the case continues, it remains a flashpoint for discussions on law, online influence, and accountability, highlighting the challenges that arise when social media personalities, politicians, and entrepreneurs collide in Nigeria’s legal and digital spheres.