Former Rivers State Governor, , has warned that Nigeria is facing a dangerous loss of medical professionals.
He described the development as a “silent national crisis” threatening healthcare delivery and medical education.
Odili spoke at the 8th Founders’ Day and 5th Convocation Ceremony of , held in Port Harcourt.
He also commended the Rivers State Government for aligning with federal development priorities.
‘A Silent Crisis’ Across Medical Institutions
Speaking candidly, Odili said no state is spared from the growing professional exodus.
According to him, universities now struggle to retain qualified teachers and clinicians.
“This is a silent crisis,” he declared.
“Your Excellency, ask any administrator of any teacher in your institution. They will tell you that we have yearning gaps of qualified professionals who should help us train these children. Where are they leaving? Greener pastures.”
He warned that the trend weakens training standards and future service delivery.
Globally, health workforce migration continues to affect low-income countries disproportionately.
Nigeria remains one of the most affected nations in sub-Saharan Africa.
Why Doctors Deserve Special Policy Consideration
Odili urged the Federal Government to urgently review doctors’ retirement age.
He proposed extending it to 70 years for qualified medical professionals.
“The retirement age for qualified professionals. Increase it to at least 70.”
Drawing from experience, he dismissed concerns about declining competence.
“I can tell you from field experience, most of our professors in PAMO are people who have retired from other universities. And they are doing very, very well.”
He also called for immediate salary improvements.
“The number two thing that can be done, and done easily, is a review of their remuneration, upwards.”
Odili stressed that medical work differs fundamentally from other professions.
“But no medical doctor can afford the luxury of adjourning the treatment of the patient who has an emergency condition.”
“So to draw a common line across professions is an imperfect analogy.”
Commendation for Fubara’s Health Sector Investments
Odili praised Rivers State Governor for prioritising healthcare and education.
He highlighted improvements in zonal hospitals across the state.
“We have visited here and there, and we know that your zonal hospitals can compete with some teaching hospitals outside Rivers State.”
He also applauded the governor’s alignment with federal health initiatives.
“You’ve tailored your programme to align properly with what Mr. President is doing in the health sector.”
“So far, not less than 500 infrastructural developments have taken place across the country.”
“So the alignment of Rivers State with the federal government is perfect.”
Odili urged Rivers people to support the government’s development agenda.
Convocation Milestones and Institutional Discipline
Governor Fubara, represented by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, reaffirmed commitment to student support.
He said the state’s scholarship investments are yielding positive outcomes.
Chancellor of the institution and former Head of State, , praised regulatory backing.
He noted that approvals by the strengthen national health capacity.
Abubakar reiterated zero tolerance for social vices.
Earlier, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Smith Jaja echoed the same position.
He disclosed that 126 students graduated in the 2025 convocation batch.
The event ended with renewed calls to protect Nigeria’s medical workforce.