Traditionally, many Nigerian nurses sought opportunities abroad, particularly in developed nations like the United Kingdom. This outflow of talent created a significant shortage within Nigeria’s healthcare system for a long period. However, recent UK visa tightening has led to a sharp drop in healthcare worker applications from migrants, including Nigerians.
UK healthcare worker applications from migrants have plummeted by over 75 per cent in the first four months of 2024. This dramatic decline comes despite the sector facing a critical shortage of tens of thousands of staff. The drop is attributed, at least in part, to stricter post-Brexit immigration rules. Notably, a December 2023 policy change by the Conservative government prevents social care workers on visas from bringing their families with them.
Additionally, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government recently increased the minimum salary for skilled workers from £26,200 ($33,000) to £38,700. Care England, which represents independent care providers, has warned that there are 152,000 vacancies in the sector. Many of these posts were previously filled by overseas workers, including migrants from nations like Nigeria and the European Union before freedom of movement ended after Brexit.
Read more: Overworked Doctors and the Need for a Better Healthcare System
Faced with a significant exodus of healthcare workers, the Nigerian government has implemented measures to curb the trend. To retain talent, Nigeria recently instituted a two-year service requirement for newly qualified nurses before they can register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). The government claims that the mandatory two-year period allows nurses to gain invaluable experience within the Nigerian healthcare system and fosters a sense of commitment.
Adjustments are also being made to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, which mandates a one-year service term for university, HND, and foreign national graduates. This programme is playing a crucial role in addressing healthcare worker shortages in underserved rural areas. Previously, nursing graduates, like their peers from other fields, were allowed to change their original service location and postings for various reasons, often due to the rural nature of their placements. This practice has been stopped, and they are currently mandated to serve at their original place of posting.
Looking beyond its borders, Nigeria can draw inspiration from successful models like the Philippines. The Philippines has implemented a strategic approach to not only address its domestic healthcare needs but also generate foreign exchange. They achieved this through a targeted expansion of their medical education infrastructure. By significantly increasing the number of places available in nursing schools and training programmes, the Philippines now graduates more nurses than their own healthcare system requires. This creates a surplus of qualified professionals specifically for international opportunities.
Also read: Working Lives: The Paediatric Nurse Who Has a Nose for Trending Merchandise
This strategic approach creates a win-win situation. Filipino nurses can leverage their qualifications to secure employment in developed countries, often at higher salaries than they would receive domestically. This not only benefits their careers but also allows them to send remittances back home, contributing to the Philippine economy.
Nigeria can also earn valuable foreign exchange through this “export” of healthcare professionals. This income can then be reinvested back into the healthcare system, improving facilities, training, and attracting even more students to the nursing profession. This creates a sustainable cycle that benefits both the nurses and the nation’s healthcare system.
Restrictive measures like the mandatory two-year domestic service can be relaxed. Following the Philippines’ model, Nigeria can create a surplus of qualified nurses through strategic education expansion. This empowers nurses to pursue international opportunities, generating vital foreign exchange to reinvest in the domestic healthcare system. A focus on growth, not limitations, paves the way for a brighter future for Nigerian healthcare
