Dons task Fed Governmentt on challenges in education sector

A leading consultant chest physician, Prof. Gregory Efosa Erhabor and Vice Chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, yesterday, appealed to the Federal Government and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the lingering crises confronting the education sector in the country.

They lamented the ongoing face-off between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

The duo, who spoke at the seventh induction ceremony of the medical graduating students of Bowen University, said the state of insecurity, combined with the challenges in the education sector, were not good for the future of the younger generations.

In his keynote address, entitled: “Making global impact in your medical profession and life,” Erhabor said the global world today gives the graduating medical students access to immense opportunities like never before.

“I will counsel you to go into all the nations and get the necessary skills. Do not go as a liability, but go there to contribute, invest and improve yourself. Also, go through legal channels. Act locally but think globally. Get the best training you can from anywhere you go. Learn to be an international doctor not just a local community champion,” he stated.

He said that this is the time for Nigerian doctors to get certification from other nations. He also said that recent research among Nigerian-trained physicians living in the United States (U.S.) indicated that 57 per cent of them were currently involved in healthcare-related projects, such as service trips to provide free medical services and equipment, as well as managing and financing infrastructure projects (e.g. schools, testing laboratories, etc.).

Erhabor said that rather than focus on brain drain, Nigerians should focus on brain creation and brain circulation.

Ogunwole, who urged the graduating students never to stop learning and never forget that medicine is an act that is practised, said: “Embracing technology will help solve issues, especially in this time of outbreak of diseases. Though technology is an important aspect of medicine, your humanity and care is paramount. Remember that the lessons you learnt during the course of your study will affect your career and ability to care for your patients in the future. The integration of that education will shape the lens by which you will deliver care.”