A total of 10,697 medical laboratory scientists have emigrated from the country, with 4,504 of them leaving in 2023 alone.
According to the Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council Nigeria (MLSCN), Tosan Erhabor, the exodus of medical scientists is partly due to inadequate compensation and uncertainties about career advancement.
“Some are leaving as a result of poor remuneration and uncertainties in the career progression in teaching hospitals; others are leaving to study abroad, acquire new skills, and enhance their professional status,” he stated.
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He also noted that some are leaving because of the country’s security issues, the absence of state-of-the-art equipment, and substandard infrastructure.
He added, “Above all, the rising cost of living is making it practically impossible for an average medical laboratory scientist to provide basic care and quality education for their children.”
Erhabor disclosed that the preferred destinations for these scientists are the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
In response to this issue, Erhabor informed journalists that the Federal Ministry of Health is formulating a policy to regulate the migration of Nigerian healthcare workers.
He also mentioned that the government has revised the allowance for health professionals to enhance their productivity. He said, “The government is considering reviewing the minimum wage and certain peculiar allowances for health professionals.”