UNILORIN 2023 Induction Vox Populi: “The Grass is Greener Here Too”

In July 2023, the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) inducted her batch A Class of 2021 medical graduands. During this induction ceremony, the lecture titled “Brain Drain: The Grass is Greener Here Too” was delivered to the fresh medical doctors about to set into the Hippocratic profession in the Nigerian healthcare system or beyond.

This professional initiation lecture title caught the attention of all and sundry, and our Medical Mirror Correspondents (MMC) reached out to some of the inductees present at the ceremony to get their insight on the message from the lecture.

1. Dr. Muritala Abdullahi Opeyemi’s responses: 

MMC: How long did it take from admission to study medicine till graduation?

It took 7 years, 11 months and 21 days. That is, from Monday, 10th of August 2015 to Monday, 31st of July 2023. 

MMC: Looking back, especially on your school’s involvement with ASUU, what would be your advice to the school management and for students still in medical school?

I am a strong advocate of “University Autonomy”. I believe with this, our unnecessary stay in school due to the ASUU strikes could be eliminated. 

MMC: Concerning the title of the induction lecture: what quote(s) or take away point(s) stands out the most for you?

The Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo said, “…while there might be nothing we can do about some of the “pull factors” like better remuneration; we can do something about the “push factors” like providing better infrastructure, better mentoring etc. 

MMC: Moving forward, do you agree that “the green is greener here too”…?

Well, while there is a potential for the grass to be green over where too, as of right now, I disagree that the grass is greener here too. 

Interesting Fact: Muritala Abdullahi Opeyemi was the Best Graduating Student of the inducted set. 

2. Dr. Efe John’s Responses:

MMC: How long did it take from admission to study medicine till graduation?

My admission notice (into physiology) came sometime in late September 2015. I resumed in October and crossed into medicine a year later. On Monday, 31st of July 2023, I was inducted into the medical profession. 

MMC: Looking back, especially on your school’s involvement with ASUU, what would be your advice to the school management and for students still in medical school?

In the context of the ASUU strikes, my advice to the school management would be to pursue measures that would make going on lengthy strikes a thing of the past. They always claim to have the students in mind when going on strikes, but prolonged strikes do more harm than good to students.

Universities should work on ways to reduce dependence on the Federal Government for finances by exploring the fundraising options of donations (from alumni), grants, trust funds, ventures, etc.

My advice to students would be to sit tight and hope for the best. Let their experiences inspire them to find solutions to the multifaceted problems Nigeria faces. And as much as possible, try to remain optimistic.

MMC: Concerning the title of the induction lecture: what messages(s) or take away point(s) stands out the most for you?

The lecturer attempted to remove the rose-tinted glasses that shade the eyes of “would-be japa-ers” by highlighting the challenges that could face those trying to practice abroad. Many people aren’t aware of these challenges and knowing about them would help in managing expectations.

MMC: But do you agree that “the green is greener here too”…?

No, by almost all observable metrics, the grass is not greener here. But there are potentials.

3. Dr Ismail Obansa Nimah’s Responses: 

MMC: How long did it take from admission to study medicine till graduation?

It took 7 years, 11 months and 21 days. From Monday, 10 August 2015 to Monday, 31 July 2023.

MMC: Looking back, especially on your school’s involvement with ASUU, what would be your advice to the school management and for students still in medical school?

I think by all means medical colleges should be left out of ASUU strikes, particularly those in the clinical wings. Because the truth is, we were so negatively impacted in all aspects by the strike. We couldn’t rush our programs to recover any lost time as other students could and the nearly extra two years we had to spend took a toll on us really. As for students caught up in the strike struggle, try to make good use of those moments and protect your mental health as much as possible during those difficult times.

MMC: What is your take on the title of the induction lecture?

Well, I have always been an advocate of the grass is green here too. So, I think I resonated quite well with the lecture.

MMC: So, do you agree that “the green is greener here too” and would you want to stay back where the grass is greener too…?

Of course! The grass is green here too. We just have to be more open minded about some issues, weigh out the pros and cons and always make informed decisions. I intend to stay back for now, but no one knows what the future holds though.

Interesting fact: In addition to an academic award, Ismail Obansa Nimah received the award of the most caring, friendly, compassionate and selfless member of the graduating class – of which her husband received the same award in 2020.

4. Dr Oluwatayo Ayobami Olajide’s Responses:

MMC: How long did it take from admission to study medicine till graduation?

For me, it took about 10 years. With early onset academic issues, coupled with ASUU and ARD strikes contributing to the time spent.

MMC: Looking back, especially on your school’s involvement with ASUU, what would be your advice to the school management and for students still in medical school?

The University of Ilorin was a catch because of their exclusion from the ASUU strike and since they rejoined ASUU, they have become less desirable. Most especially for medical students who are already bound to spend many years in school without the unnecessary extension. The University should make provision to hasten the calendar of clinical students to match up back to their years of graduation, as they do for the rest of the faculties. Students also should just keep going. Irrespective of the delays, the goal is still very achievable.

MMC: Concerning the title of the induction lecture, what was your takeaway point from the lecture delivered?

The CMD of LUTH was the guest lecturer who spoke very briefly on the topic, “The Grass is Greener here too” but didn’t succeed in leaving much of an impression on the new doctors. The highlight of the lecture, however, was his quote from one of Àṣàkẹ́’s songs, Sunshine; “the sun is going to shine on everything you do”.

MMC: Moving forward, do you agree that “the green is greener here too” and would you think to stay back where the grass is greener too?

The Grass does not seem to be greener here. But maybe someday, I can contribute my own quota in making it a little more green.

Interesting fact: Oluwatayo Ayobami Olajide was the Nigeria Medical Students Association (NiMSA) Southwest Caucus chairman – the highflying caucus – between 2021 and 2022. During his time as caucus chairman and a final year medical student, he was able to coordinate the activities and participation of medical students in the southwest universities in various regional and national events.

Medical Mirror Correspondents: Mary Oluwakemisola Agoyi and Olufunmike Oyekunle.