Dr. Tosan Erhabor, the Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), revealed that over 4,500 medical laboratory scientists left Nigeria in 2023, bringing the total number of departures to 10,697.
He mentioned that the Federal Ministry of Health is working on a policy to address this issue by regulating the migration of Nigerian health workers. Erhabor cited reasons for the migration, including poor remuneration, uncertainties in career progression in Teaching Hospitals, the desire to study abroad and acquire new skills, security concerns, poor infrastructure, and a lack of modern equipment.
The preferred destinations for these medical scientists are the United Kingdom, U.S., and Canada. The government is considering reviewing the minimum wage and certain allowances to address these challenges and retain healthcare professionals in the country.
