Experts have bemoaned the mass migration of psychiatric professionals amid dwindling resources and reports of threats to Nigeria’s mental healthcare infrastructure resulting in diminished health quality that hinders research development.

According to researchers at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba (FNPHY), research is essential for medical advancements, particularly in mental health.   They lamented that psychiatrists in Nigeria faced significant barriers to conducting research, compounded by economic challenges and the brain drain of skilled professionals.

These were part of the findings presented during the seventh yearly Yaba Research Conference 2024 held on the hospital premises with the theme: “Research, Clinical Practice and Training: Staying Afloat amid Dwindling Resources” and a sub-theme: “Mental Disorders Across the Lifespan: beyond Clinical Presentation.”

The Medical Director, FNPHY, Dr Olugbenga Owoye, in his welcome address, said socio-economic problems interfered with the delivery of quality mental health services and research while funding for mental health institutions was dwindling. ß

He explained that the real income of most mental health professionals had plummeted leading to an increased exodus of qualified mental health care professionals.

According to the Head of Clinical Services, FNPHY, Dr Steven Oluwaniyi, in an interview, the yearly research conference presents an opportunity to showcase various research done over the past year.

He added that the conference had improved and grown with people submitting abstracts from all over the world.

A former Director of FNPHY, Harry Ladapo, said no nation could develop without research. He advised the government to look inward and tap from the knowledge and experiences of professionals in the country.

The chairperson, Organising Committee and consultant psychiatrist, Dr Bello-Mojeed, said the programme would ensure proper documentation of the findings in mental health just like in other developed nations across the globe.