Odili raises alarm over exodus of medical educators, calls for urgent reforms
Former Rivers State Governor and Founder of the PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Peter Odili, has sounded the alarm over the growing departure of teachers and clinicians from Nigeria’s medical education sector, warning that the trend threatens the nation’s healthcare system.
Speaking at PUMS’ 8th Founders’ Day and 5th Convocation Ceremony in Port Harcourt, Odili described the phenomenon as a “silent national crisis” that is affecting states across the country.
He highlighted that universities and teaching hospitals are increasingly experiencing gaps in qualified medical professionals responsible for training the next generation of doctors and healthcare workers.
“Allow me to draw attention to what I consider a silent national crisis—the exodus of teachers and clinicians in medical education nationwide.
”No state is spared. Institutions are faced with yawning gaps of qualified professionals who should be training our children,” Odili said.
The former governor urged the Federal Government to revise the retirement age for medical professionals to 70 years, arguing that many retired doctors and professors remain productive well beyond current limits.
He stressed that medical work differs from other professions because services cannot be postponed, particularly in emergencies.
“Judges can adjourn cases and engineers can suspend projects, but no medical doctor can delay treatment when a patient is in danger,” Odili said.
He also called for improved remuneration to retain talent and stem the brain drain.
Odili commended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his continued investment in education and healthcare, citing the support provided to Rivers indigenes at PUMS.
He praised the governor’s alignment with federal initiatives, which he said is likely to attract broader development and benefits to the state.
Governor Fubara, represented at the event by his deputy, Ngozi Odu, lauded the university for producing high-quality medical graduates and reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting students.
In his address, the Chancellor of PUMS and former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, emphasised that approvals granted by the National Universities Commission are designed to strengthen healthcare education across the country.
He commended regulatory bodies for their support and reaffirmed the university’s strict stance against social vices.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Smith Jaja disclosed that 126 students graduated in the 2025 convocation batch, reiterating PUMS’ dedication to discipline, academic excellence, and national service.
