Medical experts have called for increased investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system, warning that poor infrastructure, the migration of health professionals and inadequate funding continue to undermine quality healthcare delivery across the country.

The call was made during the reunion of the 1984 medical graduating class of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, held in Lagos under the theme, “The Medical Profession: Lifelong Service through Learning and Giving – 42 Years of Stewardship after Graduation.”

The event brought together 39 medical professionals from Nigeria and the diaspora to celebrate more than four decades of service while discussing the future of healthcare in the country.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Consultant Rheumatologist and Professor of Medicine, Prof. Olufemi Adelowo, described Nigeria’s health indicators as alarming, citing high maternal, neonatal and infant mortality rates as evidence of the need for comprehensive reforms.

He identified the continued migration of Nigerian-trained doctors to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada as one of the greatest challenges confronting the health sector, noting that thousands of medical professionals have left the country in recent years.

Adelowo urged governments and stakeholders to improve working conditions, modernise hospitals, strengthen medical education and create incentives that would encourage healthcare professionals to remain in Nigeria.

He also advocated compulsory continuing medical education, stricter regulation of unqualified health practitioners, improved maintenance of medical facilities and stronger investments in specialist healthcare services.

Programme Coordinator of the reunion, Dr. Festus Odunayo Oshoba, said the gathering celebrated 42 years of professional service, mentorship and contributions to national development by members of the graduating class.

He encouraged young Nigerians to pursue education, hard work and integrity, stressing that lasting success is built on diligence rather than shortcuts.

On the migration of healthcare workers, Oshoba argued that Nigerians in the diaspora continue to contribute to national development through remittances, knowledge transfer and international collaborations, expressing optimism that improved governance and economic conditions could encourage many professionals to return home.

Also speaking, Consultant Physician and Clinical Director of St Nicholas Hospital, Dr. Ebun Bamgboye, dismissed concerns that the quality of medical education in Nigeria had declined, maintaining that graduates of Nigerian medical schools continue to distinguish themselves in hospitals around the world.

According to him, the major factor driving the relocation of doctors abroad is the significant difference in earnings and working conditions rather than the quality of local medical training.

Chairman of the reunion and founder of the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, described the gathering as a celebration of enduring friendship and lifelong commitment to service, noting that giving back to society remains a continuous responsibility.

The reunion also featured reflections from members of the 1984 class, who recounted their experiences at the University of Ilorin and the impact of their medical education on their personal lives and professional careers.