The Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD) has pledged to strengthen its contribution to Nigeria’s health sector through medical education, community health outreach, and strategic partnerships with local institutions.
At a news conference in Lagos, the association unveiled its ongoing efforts and future plans to support Nigeria’s healthcare system using expertise and resources from Nigerian medical professionals based in Canada.
President of CANPAD and a seasoned medical doctor, Dr. Itua Iriogbe said:
“We are actively contributing to the improvement of healthcare, not only in Canada but also here in Nigeria, and we intend to deepen the relationship and inspire more impactful partnerships.”
Dr. Iriogbe explained that CANPAD shifted its focus after the COVID-19 pandemic from regular medical missions to education-based support.
The group now holds monthly webinars for undergraduate and postgraduate medical students in Nigeria, aiming to expose them to global best practices.
“One of our key successes is our partnership with Lagos State University College of Medicine. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year to begin regular webinars for their students,” he said.
He added that CANPAD also works with institutions like the University of Lagos,Lagos State University, and plans to expand collaborations to Abuja and other regions.
Dr. Iriogbe also revealed that the association recently met with the newly crowned Alafin of Oyo to explore healthcare outreach in his community.
“That may become the first community we will fully support post-COVID. We hope to provide free health services and training,” he added.
The CANPAD president introduced the idea of ‘Japada’, a positive return to Nigeria, as a growing movement among diaspora professionals.
“Some of us have started returning, even if temporarily, to give back. This is different from ‘Japa’, leaving Nigeria. We’re showing that returning home to help is possible and powerful,” he said.
According to him, CANPAD is working on creating a clear roadmap for Nigerian doctors abroad who want to return and serve their country without facing roadblocks.
While acknowledging that influencing healthcare policy from abroad is challenging, Dr. Iriogbe noted CANPAD’s good relationship with Nigeria’s Ministry of Health.
He praised the efforts of leaders such as the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate.
“They are passionate about real change. Yes, the system has been like this for decades, but we believe things will improve with time and the right partnerships,” he said.
Dr. Iriogbe encouraged young doctors and students in Nigeria to tap into CANPAD’s opportunities, including webinars, mentorship, and hands-on training.
“We want to inspire students by exposing them to evidence-based medicine and inviting our members to lecture and train in Nigerian institutions,” he said. “There’s a lot they can learn and gain from our experience abroad.”
With about 2,000 members in Canada, CANPAD is a vibrant network of Nigerian doctors and dentists committed to knowledge exchange, mentorship, and strengthening the health systems in both Canada and Nigeria.
Dr. Iriogbe concluded by saying, “We all love Nigeria. Whether we live here or abroad, we want to see things work. Our members are ready to come in, share their skills, and help rebuild the health sector.”
The Dean of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, Professor Omoniyi Yemitan, said the college is excited to partner with the CANPAD to expose medical students to better learning opportunities and global best practices.
“We were very excited when the CANPAD group approached us a few years ago,” Professor Yemitan said. “They wanted to work with Nigerian institutions, especially Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), and we welcomed the idea immediately.”
According to him, LASUCOM is already participating in some of the campaign’s activities, including webinars aimed at educating and inspiring medical students.
“Our students, who are future doctors, are already benefiting from these webinars,” he added.
Professor Yemitan noted that the most important part of healthcare is not just machines or equipment, but the people involved.
He emphasized that the Nigerian doctors abroad are still Nigerians, with the same training and potential as those back home.
“The only difference is that they are working in places with better equipment and tools,” he said. “It’s still Nigerian brains making the difference.”
He encouraged students to value the knowledge they’re getting locally while remaining open to learning from professionals abroad. “They are not saying what we teach here is bad. They just want our students to know there is more out there, and they are ready to share it with us,” he explained.
The partnership will include education, research, collaboration, and occasional visits from the diaspora doctors. LASUCOM, according to Professor Yemitan, is ready to receive all the support and knowledge the group brings.
“This is a great opportunity. We are very receptive. We know that our students will benefit greatly,” he said. “They are willing to give back to their country, and we are happy to work with them.”
Professor Yemitan also praised the intelligence of Nigerians, saying, “Nigerians are among the most intelligent people in the world. The only difference is the environment and available resources.”
He concluded by saying that the college is committed to making the most of the collaboration for the benefit of students and the health sector in Nigeria.
President of the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG), Dr. Jideofor Menakaya, unveiled two key programmes aimed at strengthening collaboration between Nigerian healthcare institutions and the Nigerian medical diaspora in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Menakaya, who is a Consultant Neonatal Paediatrician based in London, said the new initiatives S.C.A.L.E. and STAR were developed to ensure long-term, meaningful partnerships between Nigerian medical professionals and their counterparts abroad.
“S.C.A.L.E. stands for Strengthening Collaboration and Advancing Clinical Excellence,” Dr. Menakaya explained. “It’s about linking postgraduate medical training bodies in the UK with faculties in Nigeria, so professionals on both sides can learn from and work with each other.”
He emphasized that the goal is not for diaspora doctors to impose ideas, but to support the vision and needs expressed by local Nigerian institutions.
“It’s not for me from the UK to say, ‘I think you need this.’ No. The professors and experts in Nigeria must say, ‘This is what we want,’ and then we support that,” he said.
Dr. Menakaya added that MANSAG is aligning its efforts with the Nigerian Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders to ensure unity and avoid duplication of efforts across the country.
“Instead of different diaspora groups doing separate things, why not come together and support the same programmes across all geopolitical zones? That’s the real value of collaboration,” he said.
He also introduced the STAR programme—Skills Transfer and Retention—which focuses on practical training, mentorship, and sustained knowledge exchange.
“I was at LUTH this afternoon, and they asked for support in setting up a care-of-the-elderly service,” he shared. “We are looking at ways we can train doctors, offer exchange programmes, and make sure these skills are passed on continuously, not just one-off trips.”
Dr. Menakaya stressed that the Nigerian diaspora remains passionate about returning home to contribute. “It’s a win-win. We’re not just visiting; we’re building something that will last. And we’ll measure our impact with real results—trained doctors, set-up services, and improved systems.”
With over 15,000 Nigerian doctors and 2,000 allied healthcare professionals under MANSAG’s umbrella, the organisation is working to bring the global diaspora under one voice to strengthen Nigeria’s health system from within.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of recognition plaques to Professor Omoniyi Yemitan and Professor Adeola Oremosu, the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, by the President of CANPAD, Dr. Itua Iriogbe in appreciation of their outstanding contributions.
