Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has urged graduating nursing students to remain in the state and contribute to its healthcare system, addressing the issue of brain drain.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 Nursing College, Enugu matriculation ceremony on April 10th, Governor Mbah, represented by Secretary to the State Government Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, highlighted the state’s significant investment in nursing and midwifery education. He appealed to the students to reciprocate this investment by serving within Enugu’s healthcare facilities after graduation.
Mbah expressed concern over the “japa syndrome” (emigration), stating that it undermines the state’s efforts and financial commitments. He emphasized the government’s focus on improving service conditions for healthcare professionals to incentivize them to stay. “We are investing heavily in education and health, as reflected in our 2024 and 2025 budgets, to ensure you see this as a valuable service,” he said.