The Commissioner for Science and Technology in Sokoto State, Professor Attahiru Ahmed Sifawa, has raised concerns about the increasing number of health workers leaving Nigeria. He said it’s worrying that many people who received cheap or free education in the country are now moving abroad instead of helping to improve things at home.
In an interview with reporters in Sokoto, the commissioner explained that the state government has spent a lot on training people, especially in science-related fields. These efforts have helped produce skilled health workers who serve both within and outside Nigeria
“Doctors, lab technicians, and other professionals working across Nigeria and even overseas were trained in our schools,” Sifawa said.
He added that the main goal of the government is to produce skilled people who can help improve the public health system.
However, the commissioner is worried that many of these trained professionals are leaving the country after getting their education at little or no cost.
“Many people get free or low-cost education here but still choose to move abroad. If more of us stayed and worked together, we could solve many of our problems,” he said.
On the issue of poor infrastructure in the health sector, Sifawa agreed that the lack of modern equipment is one reason people are leaving. But he said the current government, led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, is already working to fix that.
“The governor has approved the purchase of advanced medical equipment. At one of our recent government meetings, we gave the green light to buy important hospital tools. These actions are meant to improve our health facilities,” he said.
Sifawa also mentioned that Sokoto has not started making its own medical or scientific equipment yet. However, he said this is a future goal for the state.
“Producing equipment locally will take more investment and time. For now, we’re focusing on buying what we need and laying the groundwork for future development,” the commissioner said.
He stressed that the only way to stop the brain drain and rebuild important public services is through patriotism, dedication, and teamwork among Nigerians.
