The Borno State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the state government to enact a Residency Training Fund Act to enhance human capital development in the health sector.
El-Yakub Mohammed, chairman of the NMA, Borno Branch, made the appeal during a press briefing on Wednesday in Maiduguri to commemorate the 2025 Physicians’ Week.
Mohammed commended Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration for its efforts in rebuilding the health sector but urged the governor to ensure the speedy passage of the bill to strengthen the capacity of health workers.
“Now, he has done a lot in terms of welfare. Like I said, we are calling on him to prioritise training. People stay because of opportunities for training; let that be intensified. Of course, the issue of the Medical Residency Training Fund — we want to push for legislation, an act of government, where it will be gazetted that Borno State has a Medical Residency Training Fund Act,” he said.
He added, “Several departments in the State Specialist Hospital have already obtained accreditation for residency training in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, and other fields. This will significantly improve human resources for health in the state.
“So, if Governor Zulum can address training issues, it will greatly enhance healthcare service delivery across the state.”
The NMA chairman also urged the government to address the “push factors” and introduce “pull factors” to discourage the “Japa” (migration) syndrome.
He noted that many skilled professionals were leaving the country in search of better welfare abroad, thereby putting additional pressure on those who chose to remain despite poor working conditions.
Mohammed further called on both federal and state governments to provide adequate security for medical doctors and other health workers across the country.
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He expressed concern that many health workers operate under fear and uncertainty due to the rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and other security challenges.
He stressed the need for the federal government to provide sufficient resources to better equip security agencies for effective operations.
Mohammed also commended Governor Zulum for prioritising the welfare of medical doctors and nurses. “This is a landmark achievement. He made a pronouncement and followed it up by upgrading the salaries of doctors and nurses, who are our co-workers. I think it is commendable,” he said.
