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The President of the University of Lagos Alumni Association, UK Branch, has called for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and diaspora professionals, warning that continued brain drain and weak infrastructure could further weaken the country’s education and healthcare sectors.
Speaking in an interview after handing over a printer donated by the Unilag Alumni UK Branch, worth over ₦1 million to alma mater, the University of Lagos, the doctor and alumni leader said diaspora engagement must go beyond remittances to include knowledge transfer, mentorship and institutional support.
He said his involvement in alumni activities was driven by collective responsibility rather than personal ambition, describing UNILAG as a “lineage of excellence” that demands continued giving back.
“Motivation is not personal; it is communal. At UNILAG, we are taught that we are part of a lineage of excellence. When you look at Akoka’s experience, you realize that we owe a debt of gratitude,” he said.
The alumni leader explained that the UK branch is building structured links between graduates abroad and the institution at home through mentorship programmes, professional networks and capacity-building initiatives.
According to him, the aim is to support a “permanent bridge” between Nigeria and diaspora professionals.
“Our goal is to ensure that the bridge between the diaspora and the lagoon front remains strong, providing a network of mentorship and support that will outlast our individual careers,” he added.
Education: Talent remains strong, infrastructure lags
He noted that although the intellectual capacity of UNILAG students has remained consistently high across generations, infrastructure and technological gaps continue to hinder competitiveness globally.
“The similarity is the raw intellect and ‘can-do’ spirit of Unilag students. The difference lies in the infrastructural and technological gap,” he said.
He said the alumni network supports initiatives aimed at modern digital laboratories and improved learning tools to align the institution with global academic standards.
Speaking about the Nigerian healthcare sector, he described the situation as systemic, noting that medical professionals often work in difficult conditions and with insufficient resources.
“We have world-class talent working in underfunded environments. Inadequate incentives, weak primary healthcare infrastructure and lack of modern equipment make it difficult for doctors to practice the medicine for which they were trained,” he said.
He added that many Nigerian doctors abroad remain concerned that “brilliance at home is limited by a shortage of basic resources”.
“We send ideas, not just money”
The alumni president stressed that diaspora contributions must be redefined to prioritize skills and political contribution, not just financial remittances.
“The contribution today is about remittance of skills. We don’t just send money; we send ideas,” he said.
He disclosed that the association organizes medical missions, webinars and policy discussions aimed at adapting successful healthcare models from the UK to local realities in Nigeria.
Expressing concern over the growing emigration of skilled Nigerians, he warned that the continued loss of professionals posed long-term risks to national development.
He, however, has advocated circular migration policies that allow experts abroad to return periodically to contribute locally.
“We don’t just hang out; we keep a seat at the table,” he said.
Regarding the popular “Japa” trend, he described it as a search for dignity and stability rather than simple relocation.
“People leave because they want their hard work to translate into a stable life. If a doctor can afford a house and a safe commute to work, the urge to leave will be reduced,” he said, urging the government to prioritize safety, energy supplies and fair wages.
He also highlighted the importance of community support for Nigerians abroad, noting that isolation and high costs of living often create silent struggles for migrants.
“Difficulties abroad are often a silent struggle of isolation and high costs. We manage everything through the community. In the Alumni Association, we say that no Akokite is isolated,” he said.
He added that the association supports new migrants, funds scholarships and contributes to health facilities in Nigeria.
Ahead of future elections, he urged Nigerians in the diaspora to play a stronger role in promoting informed political participation.
“Our obligation is to be an informed voice. We must encourage our families to vote based on competence, not feelings, and demand accountability,” he said.
While not ignoring political commitment, he said his focus remains health policy reform and diaspora-led legislation.
“Politics is too important to be left to politicians alone. People with technical skills and global visibility have a role to play,” he added.
Plan specialized healthcare returns and investments
Looking ahead, he revealed plans for a phased return to Nigeria to establish specialized medical services comparable to international standards.
“Many of us see our time in the UK as a gap year to gain skills. My plan is to establish specialist medical services in Nigeria, offering the same quality of care as I provide here,” he said.
He concluded that his journey from Akoka and Idi-Araba to practicing medicine in the UK was shaped by the values of service, discipline and integrity instilled during his years at UNILAG.
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