Only Improved Welfare Can Stop Doctors’ Exodus – VC

The Vice Chancellor of the newly established University of Ilesa in Osun State, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu, has said only improved remuneration and welfare for medical personnel will stop their mass emigration abroad.

The VC disagreed with the school of thought that medical students should be compelled to undertake work in the country for a number of years post-graduation before they can move abroad.

Asaolu, who spoke on the sidelines of the inauguration of a hostel for nursing students at the University of Ilesa on Tuesday, advised the government to fix the economy and make working in the country enticing to school leavers.

He said, “If we had increased the cost of training for these medical students, some of them would still have paid. So, it is convenient for the government to pay, and that is why they are paying. I am not into bonding them (placing medical students in training on bond to prevent them from leaving immediately after completing training).

“Most of them would not have left the country if the labour market was right. If they are paid the right wages, they won’t leave. If the cost of living is okay, they will not leave. We just have to get it right.”

“It is normal for someone to gravitate towards where his lots would be bettered. The government should make the economy okay and provide basic amenities,” he added.

In his remarks, the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of UNILESA, Gbenga Onigbogi, commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for supporting the university and urged the management not to relent in its efforts to keep the standards.