The Sokoto State Government says it is intensifying efforts to strengthen its health infrastructure as part of a broader plan to retain skilled health professionals and curb the rising trend of brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector.

According to the Punch, the State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Professor Attahiru Ahmed Sifawa, said that the government, under Governor Ahmed Aliyu, has already begun taking decisive steps to address the factors driving health professionals out of the country.

“The governor has approved the procurement of advanced medical equipment. During one of our recent executive council meetings, approvals were granted for the purchase of vital hospital equipment. These efforts are aimed at strengthening our health infrastructure,” he disclosed.

Commendation

While commending the state’s achievements in human capital development, especially in science-based institutions, the commissioner expressed worry that the benefits are being lost to foreign countries due to mass migration of professionals.

“Doctors, lab technicians, and other professionals serving across Nigeria and even outside the country were groomed in our institutions,” he said.

“Our mandate is to produce capable human resources that support the public health system.”

He lamented the rate at which graduates of highly subsidised institutions abandon the country to seek greener pastures abroad.

“Many of our citizens benefit from highly subsidised or free education, yet they migrate abroad rather than stay to help fix the system. If we all remain here and work together, we can overcome our challenges,” he said.

Prof. Sifawa noted that while the lack of modern equipment contributes to the emigration of trained health professionals, the government is not folding its arms.

He added that the local production of medical and scientific equipment remains a long-term aspiration for the state, requiring massive investment and groundwork.

“Local production of scientific and medical equipment requires greater investment and development. For now, our focus is on procurement and building the foundation for future technological progress,” he explained.

The commissioner concluded by calling on professionals to show greater patriotism and commitment, noting that Nigeria’s public sectors, especially health, cannot be rebuilt without collective national effort.

“Patriotism, commitment, and collaborative efforts are essential to reversing the tide of brain drain and rebuilding Nigeria’s critical public sectors,” he insisted.