Medical experts to discuss health workers shortage, maternal deaths at colloquium

Nigeria's healthcare system faces significant challenges, prompting medical experts and policymakers to gather for a crucial colloquium. The maiden Biannual Presidential Colloquium of the Academy of Medical Sciences, scheduled for July 30, 2026, in Lagos, will focus on the growing concerns within the sector.

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The colloquium themed ‘Nigeria’s Health at a Crossroad: Confronting Workforce Shortages, Epidemic Risks, and Maternal Mortality’ will be delivered by the President, Emeritus Professor Osato Frank Giwa-Osagie, FAMeds, OON (Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology).

Themed "Nigeria’s Health at a Crossroad, Confronting Workforce Shortages, Epidemic Risks, and Maternal Mortality," the event will delve into critical issues such as the persistent shortage of skilled health workers, the increasing threat of epidemics, and the ongoing burden of maternal deaths. These vulnerabilities within the national healthcare architecture have been a long-standing concern for the country.

According to Mayowa Owolabi, the Academy Secretary, the colloquium will bring together a diverse group of medical professionals, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Their collective aim is to discuss and formulate sustainable solutions to the pressing problems affecting healthcare delivery. Emeritus Professor Osato Frank Giwa-Osagie, President of the Academy and a Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, will deliver the keynote address.

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This seminal event, which is structured to address critical vulnerabilities within the national healthcare architecture, will be held on Thursday, 30th of July, 2026 by 10.00am prompt (guests are to be seated by 9:30am) at The Old Great Hall, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Surulere, Lagos.

The discussions are expected to yield strategic policy recommendations. A distinguished panel of experts, including Professor Adetokunbo.O. Fabamwo, Professor Obinna Onwujekwe, Distinguished Professor Akin Osibogun, and Dr. Jide Idris, will contribute multidisciplinary perspectives. The Academy of Medical Sciences anticipates that the outcomes of this colloquium will significantly contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare policies and ultimately improve health outcomes for Nigerians.

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To provide multidisciplinary perspectives and strategic apolicy recommendations, the Academy has assembled a distinguished panel of experts. They are Professor Adetokunbo.O. Fabamwo, FAMedS (Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology & Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Ikeja), Professor Obinna Onwujekwe, FAMedS (Professor of Health Economics and Policy, and Pharmacoeconomics, UNN), Distinguished Professor Akin Osibogun, FAMedS (Professor of Community Health & Primary Care, CMUL/LUTH) and Dr. Jide Idris [Public Health Expert & Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).