By Emmanuel Kwada
The House Committee on Health Institutions of the 10th National Assembly expressed concerns over the mass exodus of health professionals seeking better opportunities abroad and delays in recruitment approval to fill gaps in Nigerian tertiary health institutions. Led by Chairman Hon. Amos Gomna Magaji, the Committee visited Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola, Adamawa State, to ensure capital projects, facility capacity, manpower, and programs meet required standards.
After scrutinizing documents and inspecting facilities, the Committee certified MAUTH as meeting clinical standards in a clean and hygienic environment. Magaji emphasized the visit’s purpose was to fulfill legislative oversight responsibilities, not to criticize.
Magaji highlighted the National Assembly’s three key responsibilities: appropriating funds, overseeing fund utilization, and making laws. He noted the visit’s timeliness, given the approaching budget period.
We face the challenge of JAPA; many doctors and nurses are leaving, and there’s a delay in approval for recruitment to close the gaps
Regarding manpower, Magaji acknowledged the hospital’s dissatisfaction with its grossly inadequate staffing. “We face the challenge of JAPA; many doctors and nurses are leaving, and there’s a delay in approval for recruitment to close the gaps.”
Chief Medical Director Prof. Adamu Bakari Girei, represented by Dr. Ahmadu Baba Usman, commended the Committee and highlighted the hospital’s growth from 100 to 720 bed capacity. He requested further intervention in waterworks, roadworks, and other facility upgrades.
The oversight visit included a facility tour, inspecting various areas: Residents Doctors Quarter, Psychiatric Block, College of Nursing and Midwifery, ENT and Ophthalmology Complex, female and male surgical wards, theatres, and ongoing Wellness Area construction.
JAPA” refers to the colloquial Yoruba phrase meaning “to run, flee or escape
Committee members included Hon. James Barka, Hon. David Umar, Clerk of the House Akilu Abbas, and Head of Project Monitoring Engr. Seth Bakut.
The term “JAPA” refers to the colloquial Yoruba phrase meaning “to run, flee or escape,” reflecting the widespread desire among Nigerians, especially youth, to leave the country due to social, political, and economic challenges. This phenomenon has led to a brain drain, affecting key sectors like healthcare and education.
