I am currently sitting on the second row of the New great hall of the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital with some great students of that college. Actually, sitting with me in the hall are scores of college of medicine and dentistry students looking all radiant in conservative coloured suits and blue shirts and blouses.

YBC is the name of the group that put together the symposium that is holding currently in the hall. I actually was dragged to the symposium by a dear friend, Christian Love who had been asked to come and speak on a topic “Working Class Heroes”. I really don’t remember ever being on the premises of this great hospital complex but am I glad to be here.

I love being in the midst of excited and energetic students if for nothing at all, to feel their energy, vibrancy and youth. Don’t mind me. I’m very much a youth and an energetic one at that. 

And for your information, YBC means Year Book Class. This I guess indicates the final year students in the college of medicine and surgery and dentistry.

The Hall wasn’t neglected in its decoration as drapes of different shades of blue and some pink hung as a back-drop in the front of the hall and decorations of royal blue with pink ribbons hanging from the stage.

The list of guest speakers at the symposium is quite impressive. From the Chairman to the other speakers, I caught names like Tonye Cole, MD of Sahara Oil and Gas, Mrs Craig from Poise Nigeria, an eminent professor and a very intelligent doctor, both female I might add.

As at the time of writing this article, the symposium/year book launch, the latter of which I just learnt about a few minutes ago is in full swing. In fact, launching of the year book is going on currently.

Anyway, why am I writing this post. As I sit down enjoying the excitement and energy of this gathering, I can’t help but wonder, 5 years from now. How many of these doctors would be engaged in upholding the health industry in this country. They will swear an oath in a few weeks to come but how many of them would die to keep that oath. The keynote speaker said in her presentation that the number of medical doctors practicing in the United States of America alone were 21,000 in 1995.

Part of the theme of the symposium is “The Solution to Brain Drain”. How many of these new doctors would not agree to allow their brains be drained? How many would not be satisfied with 3rd class and 4th class citizenry in countries that would accomodate them only because they need Taxi drivers, barbers, security men, soldiers, assistants and other non professional workforce.

My passion and love for this country causes pain to rise in my heart and burden to rest on my soul when I ponder what these graduands are moving into the working-class world to experience. Would they be depressed and discouraged by the harsh realities of a non-caring system. Would they be caught between observing and standing by the values of their profession in Nigeria and bowing to the prevalent corruption, selfishess and greed that currently exists in the society?

I really can’t answer these questions but I know that the fire is re-kindled in my spirit to do all I can and all I must to ensure that those who become doctors a few years from now will not have the same challenges and dilemma that these ones currently have.