Medical Crisis: Fewer Than 500 ENT Surgeons Left In Nigeria Amid Alarming Brain Drain

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing access to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) healthcare services across Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during a courtesy visit from the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria (ORLSON), led by its President, Professor Aliyu Mohammed Kodiya, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Shettima emphasized the urgent need to revamp Nigeria’s healthcare system—especially ENT care—in response to rising cases of hearing loss and a severe shortage of specialised medical personnel.

According to a statement from his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to tackling challenges in the ENT sector, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of equipment, and the worsening brain drain among medical professionals.

“A significant portion of our population suffers from hearing-related conditions, yet many hesitate to seek help due to social stigma,” Shettima noted. “The concerns you’ve raised are genuine, and our administration is determined to implement long-term, meaningful solutions.”

He further admitted the country faces a critical shortage of ENT specialists:

“There may not even be 500 ENT surgeons currently practicing in Nigeria, and without swift action, the situation could worsen.”

Highlighting the exodus of young doctors seeking better opportunities abroad, Shettima stressed the need to build a supportive environment that encourages them to stay.

He added that the government’s efforts would extend beyond just acquiring medical tools to also ensuring proper training, welfare, and retention of healthcare workers:

“Without skilled personnel, even the best equipment becomes useless.”

Earlier, Professor Kodiya described hearing loss as a growing public health crisis, citing World Health Organization (WHO) projections that by 2050, about 2.5 billion people worldwide will experience some level of hearing loss, with over 700 million needing rehabilitation.