NMA Warns of Rising Pre‑Graduation Doctor Exodus

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has sounded an alarm over a growing trend of medical students planning to leave the country before completing their training. NMA President Prof Afekhide‑Ernest Omoti revealed the issue during an interview with Sunday PUNCH, noting that the migration of doctors is already underway and that students are actively arranging to ‘japa’—to flee—prior to graduation. The association stresses that this development poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s healthcare workforce. By highlighting the problem publicly, the NMA aims to prompt government and educational institutions to address the factors driving early departures and to safeguard the country’s medical supply chain.