Port Harcourt’s PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) has called on the Federal Government to invest more in Nigeria’s health sector and expand training for medical personnel.
The appeal came from the university’s Founder and Pro-Chancellor, Dr Peter Odili, during the third induction and oath-taking ceremony for 65 newly graduated medical doctors at the Elelenwo campus in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State, on Tuesday.
Odili, a former Rivers State Governor, commended President Bola Tinubu for recent improvements in the sector but emphasised the need to address the shortage of healthcare workers caused by the ongoing “japa syndrome,” where skilled professionals leave the country. He also urged a review of health workers’ remuneration.
The PUMS founder praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for sponsoring scholarships for state indigenes to train in medical courses and encouraged other governors to adopt similar initiatives. “PAMO has produced over 330 healthcare professionals in a short period. Expanding such efforts nationwide will reduce the brain drain,” he said, announcing a ₦6.5 million donation to the graduates.
The induction lecture, delivered by Prof. John Ikimalo, stressed that medicine is a calling, urging the new doctors to uphold ethics, prioritise service, and respect patient confidentiality. The ceremony was conducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, led by Prof. Fatima Kyari.
