By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has commended the West African College of Physicians (WACP) for its commitment to human capacity development and the delivery of quality medical services across the West African region.
General Nafiu gave the commendation while receiving the executive members of the WACP during a courtesy visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja. He described the institution as a critical pillar in the training and certification of physicians, noting that its role in maintaining high professional standards in medicine cannot be overemphasized.
The NYSC Director General praised the College for ensuring that medical doctors are trained in line with global best practices. He also urged the WACP to develop strategies aimed at discouraging the growing trend of medical professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, stressing that Nigeria is already facing a shortage of medical doctors.
He reaffirmed the Scheme’s readiness to collaborate with the College in initiatives that would promote national development and improve healthcare delivery.
General Nafiu also highlighted some of the NYSC’s flagship initiatives, including the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which equips Corps members with vocational and entrepreneurial skills for self-reliance. He further showcased the Scheme’s business ventures, including the production of NYSC bread, bottled water and poultry products.
Earlier, the Secretary General of the West African College of Physicians, Dr. Habibu Galandachi, said the delegation visited the NYSC to seek the Scheme’s support for the College’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting and 50th Anniversary celebration scheduled for October 26 to 28 in Nigeria.
Galandachi noted that Nigeria, being the largest chapter of the WACP in Africa, remains the institution’s biggest beneficiary, making it important to ensure a successful and memorable anniversary celebration.
He also commended the NYSC for its deployment policy, which posts Corps members outside their states of origin, saying the initiative has promoted national integration and broadened the experiences of young Nigerians.
According to him, the NYSC also serves as an important practical training platform for Corps doctors, exposing them to diverse healthcare environments and valuable on-the-job experience.
