By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta<\/p>\n
Dr. Oluwole Adeniyan, Chairman of the University of Lagos Alumni Association UK Branch, has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and its diaspora professionals, warning that systemic challenges in the country\u2019s healthcare sector continue to undermine world-class talent.<\/p>\n
Adeniyan, in a statement made available to newsmen after donating a printer worth N1 million on behalf of UNILAG UK Alumni to his alma mater, said the motivation behind the alumni body\u2019s activities is rooted not in personal ambition but in a shared sense of responsibility to their alma mater, University of Lagos.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur mission is to keep the bridge between the diaspora and home strong. We are building networks that provide mentorship, support, and long-term impact beyond individual careers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adeniyan noted that while the intellectual capacity and determination of current students remain strong, a widening infrastructure and technology gap threatens the global competitiveness of Nigerian graduates.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn our time, the rigor was largely academic and physical. Today\u2019s students must compete in a digital global economy without equivalent resources,\u201d he explained, adding that the alumni association is investing in digital learning tools and laboratory upgrades to sustain the international value of a Unilag degree.<\/p>\n
Describing Nigeria\u2019s healthcare system as facing \u201csystemic strain,\u201d Adeniyan lamented the disconnect between highly trained professionals and the limited resources available to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have world-class doctors working in underfunded environments. The lack of modern equipment, weak primary healthcare systems, and poor incentives make it difficult to practice effectively,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He emphasized that many diaspora professionals are eager to contribute beyond financial remittances. \u201cWe send ideas, not just money,\u201d he noted, pointing to medical missions, webinars, and policy advocacy initiatives led by the association.<\/p>\n
Adeniyan identified the ongoing \u201cbrain drain\u201d as a major concern but framed it as a symptom of deeper structural issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople leave in search of dignity and stability. To address this, government must prioritize security, reliable power, and fair wages,\u201d he said. \u201cIf professionals can live and work with dignity at home, the urge to leave will reduce.\u201d<\/p>\n
He advocated for \u201ccircular migration\u201d programmes that would allow diaspora professionals to periodically return to Nigeria to teach and practice, thereby strengthening local capacity without requiring permanent relocation.<\/p>\n
On the challenges faced by Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Adeniyan described life abroad as often marked by \u201csilent struggles,\u201d including isolation and high living costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur response is community,\u201d he said. \u201cWe ensure that no Akokite stands alone\u2014whether it\u2019s helping new arrivals settle or supporting professionals navigating systems like the NHS.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adeniyan also urged greater political engagement from Nigerians in the diaspora, stressing the importance of informed participation in national development.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe may not all vote yet, but we have influence. We must encourage accountability and competence in leadership,\u201d he said, noting that diaspora remittances remain a significant pillar of Nigeria\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n
He further expressed interest in contributing to health policy and diaspora engagement legislation, arguing that professionals with global exposure can bring data-driven solutions to governance.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Adeniyan revealed plans for a phased return to Nigeria, including the establishment of specialized medical services.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany of us see our time abroad as a period of skill acquisition,\u201d he said. \u201cThe goal is to bring that expertise home and deliver the same quality of care Nigerians receive overseas.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta Dr. Oluwole Adeniyan, Chairman of the University of Lagos Alumni Association UK Branch, has…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":523903,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[102,2960,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-523902","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-healthcare","tag-health","tag-healthcare","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/523902","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=523902"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/523902\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/523903"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=523902"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=523902"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=523902"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}