Japa: Resign before traveling abroad – Tinubu tells Nigerian doctors

The Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa, disclosed that the Federal Government has issued a directive requiring health workers planning to immigrate abroad to resign from their positions before leaving the country. Alausa made this announcement during his visit to the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, emphasizing that the practice of health workers taking leave of absence before departing is no longer acceptable.

He emphasized that the ban on leave of absence for health workers stems from an executive order issued by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at addressing the significant challenge of brain drain in the nation’s health sector, colloquially referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome.’ Alausa stated that the directive is a crucial step to combat the issues arising from health professionals leaving the country while still being considered as staff on the government payroll.

According to Alausa, the President’s directive ensures that health workers seeking opportunities abroad must formally resign from their federal government appointments rather than applying for leave of absence. This approach aims to prevent the complications associated with absentees still being listed as active staff, hindering the recruitment of replacements and placing additional burdens on colleagues left behind.

Furthermore, Alausa highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the shortage of health professionals by significantly increasing manpower production in the sector. He noted that the annual enrollment of nurses, which previously stood at 28,000, has risen to 68,000, with plans to reach 120,000 by the end of the year. This initiative aims to create a pool of skilled manpower to ensure a smooth transition when professionals leave their positions, mitigating the impact of the ‘Japa effect’ on the health sector.