Unilag Alumni UK Chairman Harps on Diaspora Engagement, Health Reforms, Warns Against Brain Drain

The Chairman of the University of Lagos (Unilag) Alumni Association, UK Branch, has called for stronger engagement between alumni in the diaspora and Nigeria, stressing that sustained collaboration is critical to preserving the institution’s legacy and addressing pressing national challenges, particularly in healthcare and education.

Speaking in an interview after donating a printer worth over #1m on behalf of Unilag UK Branch to his alma mata, the medical doctor and alumni leader said his commitment to alumni activities was driven not by personal ambition but by a sense of collective responsibility to his alma mater, the University of Lagos.

“The motivation isn’t personal; it is communal. At Unilag, we are taught that we are part of a lineage of excellence. When you look at the Akoka experience, you realise you owe a debt of gratitude,” he said.

He explained that the UK alumni body is focused on strengthening ties between graduates abroad and the institution at home through mentorship, professional networking and structured support.

“Our goal is to ensure that the bridge between the diaspora and the lagoon front remains strong, providing a network for mentorship and support that will outlive our individual careers,” he added.

Education Standards and Infrastructure Gaps

Reflecting on the standard of education across generations, the alumni chairman noted that while the intellectual capacity and resilience of Unilag students remain consistent, infrastructure has failed to keep pace with global demands.

“The similarity is the raw intellect and ‘can-do’ spirit of the Unilag student. The difference lies in the infrastructure and technology gap,” he said.

According to him, the alumni association is supporting initiatives aimed at digital laboratories and modern learning tools to ensure that a Unilag degree continues to compete globally.

Healthcare Under Pressure

On the state of Nigeria’s health sector, he described the challenges facing medical professionals as systemic.

“We have world-class talent working in underfunded environments. Inadequate incentives, weak primary healthcare infrastructure and lack of modern equipment make it difficult for doctors to practise the medicine they were trained for,” he said.

He lamented that many Nigerian doctors abroad are pained by the reality that “brilliance back home is hampered by basic resource gaps.”

Giving Back to Nigeria

The alumni leader said his contribution to Nigeria centres on knowledge transfer rather than remittances alone.

“Contribution today is about remittance of expertise. We don’t just send money; we send ideas,” he stated.

He revealed that the alumni body organises medical missions, professional webinars and policy advocacy programmes, positioning itself as a think-tank to help adapt successful UK healthcare models to Nigeria’s local context.

Diaspora Life and Community Support

Addressing the hardships Nigerians face abroad, he said the solution lies in community solidarity.

“Hardship abroad is often a silent struggle of isolation and high costs. We handle it through community. In the Alumni Association, we say no Akokite stands alone,” he said.

He added that the association provides support for new arrivals in the UK while also funding scholarships for indigent students and supporting medical facilities back home.

Brain Drain, ‘Japa’ and Governance

Expressing concern over Nigeria’s growing brain drain, he warned that the erosion of the middle class poses a long-term threat to national development.

“We don’t just exit; we maintain a seat at the table,” he said, advocating circular migration programmes that allow professionals abroad to teach and practise periodically in Nigeria.

On the popular “Japa” phenomenon, he described it as a search for dignity and security.

“People leave because they want their hard work to translate into a stable life. If a doctor can afford a home and a safe commute to work, the urge to leave will reduce,” he said, urging government to prioritise security, power supply and fair wages.

Politics, Elections and the Future.He maintained that Nigerians in the diaspora have a responsibility to promote informed political choices ahead of elections.

“Our obligation is to be the informed voice. We must encourage our families to vote based on competence, not sentiments, and demand accountability,” he said.

While not ruling out political engagement, he said his interest lies mainly in health policy and diaspora-focused legislation.

“Politics is too important to be left only to politicians. People with technical expertise and global exposure have a role to play,” he noted.

Looking ahead, the alumni chairman said he plans a phased return to Nigeria.

“Many of us see our time in the UK as a sabbatical to gain skills. My plan is to establish specialised medical services in Nigeria, offering the same quality of care I provide here,” he said.

He concluded that his journey—from Akoka and Idi-Araba to medical practice in the UK—has been guided by values of service and integrity nurtured during his Unilag years.