The Lagos State Government has issued a desperate call to newly inducted nurses at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM). Officials highlighted the critical shortage of healthcare workers. They urged the graduates to serve the state that funded their training. This plea comes as Lagos struggles to meet the health needs of over 20 million residents.
Commissioner’s Warning on Staffing Crisis
At the induction ceremony in Ikeja on November 19, 2025, Tolani Sule, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, spoke through Permanent Secretary Adeniran Kasali. He emphasized the urgent need for more medical personnel. Lagos faces unique challenges with its booming population.
“Lagos is facing unique health challenges as it tries to meet the health needs of over 20 million residents. That is why you are important,” Kasali said. He added, “You are to fill a critical space in our healthcare system. Your skills are desperately needed right here and now.”
The commissioner warned against the “Japa” trend of emigrating abroad for better opportunities. “If you Japa, you must ‘Japada’,” he quipped, urging a return to contribute locally. He stressed ethics, compassion, and loyalty to the state’s investment in their education.
This appeal follows a recent report where the government begged doctors not to leave for foreign jobs. It underscores a broader crisis in Nigeria’s health sector.
Induction Ceremony Highlights Key Roles
The event inducted 42 nurses, alongside 77 medical doctors and 10 dentists. Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello reminded inductees of nursing’s noble demands. “Nursing is a noble profession that requires compassion and empathy. Nurses are the backbone of any healthcare system,” she said.
She encouraged them to advocate for better healthcare. “Be advocates for change. Use your voice to improve healthcare. Be leaders in your communities and strive to make a positive impact. Never compromise on quality,” the VC charged.
Prof. Olufemi Idowu, Provost of LASUCOM, praised the rigorous training. “The world needs nurses who operate with compassion. Bring your knowledge to society. You have been trained with diligence and learned with humility. Your stethoscope represents responsibility. Let it guide your decisions and every life you encounter,” he affirmed.
Technology and Empathy in Modern Nursing
Guest lecturer Dr. Oluwatosin Ope-Babadele addressed technology’s role in healthcare. She noted AI’s potential but insisted human touch remains vital. “Technology can help bring your ideas to life. The future is not a battle between humans and machines. AI will not replace the nursing profession. It can only enhance it.”
“Embrace technology but do not lose sight of human emotion and empathy,” she advised. This message aligns with Lagos’s push to integrate tech while addressing staff shortages.
Tackling the Shortage: A Statewide Imperative
Lagos reports a massive gap in its workforce. The state needs an additional 33,000 doctors and 33,000 nurses to meet demands. Current ratios show one nurse per 2,165 people, far exceeding WHO standards.
To combat this, the government is expanding LASUCOM and repurposing facilities for training 2,500 professionals yearly. These efforts aim to boost local capacity. Yet, brain drain persists, with many professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
The induction symbolizes hope. It equips new nurses to bridge gaps in facilities across Lagos. As the state improves worker conditions, it calls for commitment from its graduates.
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