Ekiti varsity Chancellor seeks improved investment in medical education

The Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, has called for increased investment in  medical education, research, and technology as a sustainable solution to reverse the trend of medical tourism in Nigeria.

Olowolafe said Nigeria must deliberately strengthen its healthcare and education systems to retain its best professionals and enhance the quality of care available locally.

He spoke at the 2025 Healthcare and Medical Expo of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) held in Abuja with the theme, “Reversing Medical Tourism: Africans Investing in Africa”. 

He noted that years of underinvestment in research and medical training have continued to push skilled doctors abroad while compelling many citizens to seek medical treatment overseas.

“To reverse medical tourism, there must be deliberate investment in knowledge acquisition, research, faculty development, and medical education that ensure global relevance,” the EKSU Chancellor stated.

Olowolafe, a frontline entrepreneur said medical professionals must be equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and technological exposure to compete favourably on the global stage while remaining relevant at home.

“As Chancellor of Ekiti State University, I understand the critical link between education and healthcare transformation. We cannot reverse medical tourism without investing in knowledge production, research, and faculty development,” he added.

He described technology as “the great equalizer,” urging Nigeria to embrace innovation to bridge infrastructural gaps and create an integrated ecosystem that connects universities, hospitals, laboratories, and investors.

“We must move from isolated excellence to a connected system that drives collaboration and efficiency across the sector,” he said.

He challenged African nations to move from being consumers of innovation to creator of medical breakthroughs, saying

“We must make Africa not just a market for medical solutions, but a maker of medical advancements. 

The EKSU Chancellor also emphasized the need to adopt digital health tools and artificial intelligence in diagnostics and treatment to boost confidence in local healthcare delivery and attract foreign investment.

He encouraged continuous training in financial management, feasibility analysis, and digital learning for medical professionals, noting that Nigeria already has some of the world’s most skilled doctors.

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Olowolafe urged the NMA to leverage its broad network to engage government, the private sector, the Nigerian diaspora, and development partners in driving policy reforms that will strengthen the health system.

He expressed optimism about ongoing reforms under the President Bola Tinubu administration, noting that international investors are already showing interest in establishing advanced medical facilities in Nigeria.

Olowolafe added that such measures, if sustained, would help attract top talents back home, restore public confidence in local healthcare, and significantly reduce capital flight.