Our Ladies of Apostle Secondary School, Yaba, and Atlantic High School, Epetedo, have emerged as the two best schools in the first and second categories of debates during the maiden edition of 'The Integrated Health, Wellness and Education Conference.' Six schools participated in the event, which was organized by Global Affairs Magazine under the theme 'Bridging Health, Wellness and Education for Sustainable National Well-being.'
Inspiring Future Healthcare Professionals
The convener, Regina Robinson, described the event as a strategic intervention aimed at encouraging more Nigerian students to pursue careers in medicine and other specialized healthcare professions amid the growing wave of brain drain in the sector. She stated, 'This initiative was conceived in response to the increasing migration of medical practitioners and health professionals abroad due to poor remuneration and unfavourable working conditions in Nigeria. The conference is deliberately targeted at secondary school students to inspire them to embrace careers in medicine, pharmacy and specialized healthcare fields.'
Robinson further noted that many students lacked proper orientation about opportunities in the health sector, stressing that some misconceptions about professions such as pharmacy discouraged young people from venturing into them. She added that as medical professionals continue to leave the country without encouraging younger ones to replace them, Nigeria will eventually suffer serious brain drain.
Debate Topics and Awards
The debates took place at Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja. The topics were 'The Future of Healthcare Depends More on Pharmaceutical Innovation Than Clinical Practice – True or False?' and 'Health and Wellness Programmes in Schools are Underfunded and Undervalued – True or False?' The two winning schools received a trophy each, while other participating schools received plaques.
Call for Government Support
Robinson urged government at all levels to support similar initiatives and provide scholarships for students interested in studying medicine and other health-related courses. The Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, represented at the event by Mr. Atewologun Titofunmi, said education must prepare students for life and not examinations alone, adding that students must also understand how to manage stress, seek help and make responsible choices.
Guest Speakers' Insights
The guest speaker, Prof. Lere Baale, Chief Executive Officer of Business School Netherlands International and President/Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, told the secondary school students that God has already shaped them to excel in education and health-related courses. Another speaker, Dr. Samuel Kayode Adebayo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Dayspring Specialist Hospital, said the essence of the conference was to create a bridge across all healthcare systems, especially for the younger ones.
Founder and Chairman of Jawa Group, Chief Varkey Verghese, said guidance on health and wellness will help the students shape their future, their career and acquaint them with all they need to serve their community in future.
