AMONG the myriad problems that President Bola Tinubu inherits are the terribly dysfunctional health and education sectors. To describe them as a mess is an understatement. Although his inaugural speech was silent on these two critical sectors, his manifesto sets out an ambitious desire to transform the education sector, reform the health care delivery system and guarantee access to health services to all citizens.
The same applies to the education sector. Nigeria’s leaders at federal, state and local government levels have demonstrated their loss of faith in the country’s public educational system. Having ruined the public education system, they send their own children to exclusive preparatory, primary and secondary schools in the country. They thereafter send them abroad for higher education.
Rather than confront the mess through adequate funding, equipping and motivation of personnel, and engagement with critical stakeholders, the government and the National Assembly chase shadows. The House of Representatives hurriedly proposed a draconian bill to amend the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria Act to deny Nigerian-trained medical and dental medicine practitioners being fully licensed until they have worked for a minimum of five years in the country.
He should end public funding of medical tourism for public office holders. This requires building a sustainable and strong health care system through the provision of facilities and substantial funding. The administration’s mandate should focus on a patient-centred and motivated workforce. He should ensure accessible, quality and efficient health services with buy-in from state governments. Many Nigerians are dying from common diseases because they cannot afford the cost of treatment.