42 Years After Graduation, UNILORIN Medical Alumni Urge Youth To Reject Shortcuts, Rebuild Nigeria

UNILORIN medical alumni have urged youth to reject shortcuts and rebuild Nigeria.

NewsRain Nigeria reports that Alumni of the University of Ilorin Medical School’s Second Set have urged Nigerian youths to embrace hard work, integrity and quality education, insisting that sustainable success comes through diligence rather than shortcuts.

The call was made during the 2026 Celebration and Reunion, marking 42 years after graduation, where members of the class reunited to celebrate their enduring friendship, professional accomplishments and contributions to national development.

Delivering the keynote lecture titled “The Future of Medical Practice in Nigeria – Random Musings,” renowned rheumatologist Prof. Olufemi O. Adelowo painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s healthcare sector, warning that worsening health indices, the mass migration of doctors, poor hospital infrastructure and the proliferation of fake drugs continue to threaten the country’s medical system.

According to the professor, Nigeria continues to record one of the world’s highest infant and maternal mortality rates, while life expectancy remains between 53 and 56 years.

He attributed many of the sector’s challenges to inadequate facilities, shortage of specialist consultants, poor emergency services and the continued exodus of healthcare professionals abroad.

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Adelowo, however, expressed optimism that emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), would improve healthcare delivery by enhancing disease diagnosis, supporting clinical decision-making, improving documentation and advancing medical education.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the reunion, Chairman of the reunion committee, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, said the gathering symbolised more than four decades of friendship among classmates who have remained united despite living in different parts of the world.

He explained that about 37 members of the class WhatsApp platform attended the reunion, noting that the alumni still communicate daily and continue to support one another personally and professionally.

“Our friendship has remained strong for over 42 years. Though we are spread across different countries, we still communicate every day.

This reunion is a celebration of our shared journey, our achievements, and the lifelong bond we built in medical school,” Olowolafe said.

Also speaking, Dr. Festus Odunayo Oshoba described the class as a true representation of Nigeria, recalling that students came from different parts of the country and benefitted immensely from government support during their education.

He said subsidised meals, scholarships and affordable education enabled many members of the class to excel, adding that they now consider it a duty to give back to society.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. Most of us are employers of labour, philanthropists and professionals who have made meaningful contributions to society.

We are celebrating not just because 42 years have passed, but because we have remained relevant and committed to nation-building,” he said.

Oshoba urged young Nigerians to reject the culture of seeking shortcuts to success.

“When you look at our generation, none of us took shortcuts. If you want to succeed, you must go through the process. Get quality education, develop yourself, respect the rules and contribute positively to society,” he said.

He encouraged youths to see themselves as future leaders, stressing that Nigeria’s development depends largely on the commitment and values of its younger generation.

“Nigeria is a great nation. The responsibility of making it better rests with today’s youth. Improve yourself, build your capacity, and always look for opportunities to give back because no one lives for themselves alone,” he added.

Oshoba also announced that the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation recently donated state-of-the-art ophthalmic surgical training equipment to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to strengthen the training of eye surgeons and improve eye care services in Nigeria.

Responding to questions on the declining quality of education and the increasing migration of professionals, Oshoba traced the roots of the “Japa” phenomenon to the military era, when many experienced doctors and academics left Nigeria following government policies and deteriorating economic conditions.

He noted that the departure of skilled professionals weakened medical education and healthcare delivery but expressed hope that democratic governance, improved funding and government initiatives such as student loan schemes would help reverse the trend.

He urged Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, to seize available opportunities and work collectively towards building a stronger, more prosperous nation.

The reunion ended with members reaffirming their commitment to mentoring younger professionals, supporting healthcare development and promoting excellence in medical practice across Nigeria.