In a significant push toward bridging the healthcare gap between Nigeria and its diaspora, the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD) has announced new collaborative efforts with leading medical institutions in Nigeria, starting with the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM). This was revealed at a recent press briefing in Lagos where CANPAD unveiled its mission to deepen ties with home-based institutions, promote global knowledge exchange, and contribute directly to medical education and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

CANPAD President, Dr. Itua Godson Iriogbe, outlined the group’s evolving strategy that prioritizes education and knowledge sharing. “Before COVID, we often came back to Nigeria to perform surgeries and provide free clinics,” he said. “But now, we’ve realized that sustainable impact comes from strengthening local capacity. That’s why we focus on training, mentorship, and partnerships.”

CANPAD’s monthly webinar sessions, designed for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, feature diaspora medical professionals delivering lectures on global best practices, emerging trends, and practical clinical skills, and the group has formalized its partnership with LASUCOM, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The Dean of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Professor Omoniyi Kayode Yemitan, praised the collaboration, describing it as “timely and visionary.” “CANPAD is helping us give our students an international outlook while still grounded in local realities,” said Professor Yemitan. “We’ve already seen strong participation in their webinars, and we are eager to expand the scope.” Professor Yemitan also emphasized that while there may be differences in access to resources, the intellect and capabilities of Nigerian doctors, whether home-based or abroad, remain equal. “The only gap is environmental,” he said. “When you give a Nigerian the right tools, they excel anywhere in the world.”

Beyond Lagos, CANPAD is pursuing similar arrangements with other institutions including the University of Lagos (CMUL), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and is currently in talks with Ahmadu Bello University and medical schools in Abuja.

Dr. Iriogbe revealed that CANPAD plans to also extend to rural outreach, and the association is currently discussing with the Alaafin of Oyo to launch a community-focused healthcare project that will combine free medical services with capacity-building for local health workers.
“This kind of outreach aligns with our mission to not just treat, but to teach and empower,” he said. “It may become our first post-COVID full community programme in Nigeria.”

In what could redefine the narrative of Nigerian diaspora engagement, Dr. Iriogbe promoted the concept of “Japada,” a deliberate return of skilled Nigerians abroad to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

“It’s different from ‘Japa,’” he said. “We’re returning, and not because we have to, but because we choose to. And we want others to see how valuable that return can be.”

Dr. Iriogbe admitted that being abroad presents limitations, but shared that CANPAD is actively conversing with the Federal Minister for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and hopes to use that window to propose policy shifts and encourage positive change.

CANPAD, which currently boasts about 2,000 members across Canada, is open to partnerships with other diaspora organizations and stakeholders to synchronize efforts to reduce duplication and amplify collective impact, and this was made evident by Dr. Jideofor Manakaya, President of the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG), who also mentioned that they were ready to collaborate with CANPAD “instead of different diaspora groups doing separate things, why not come together and support the same programmes across all geopolitical zones? That’s the real value of collaboration.” He said.

Appreciation plaques were presented during the event to Professor Adeola Oremosu, Provost of CMUL, and Professor Yemitan for their leadership and affability towards CANPAD.

“We’re not here to impose solutions. We’re here to support what local professionals tell us they need. That’s the future of healthcare collaboration, mutual respect and shared goals.” Dr. Iriogbe concluded.