Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has appealed to nursing students in the state not to leave after graduation, citing the significant investment the state has made in their training.
During the 2024/2025 Maiden Matriculation Ceremony of the Nursing College, Enugu, Mbah emphasized that the "japa syndrome" is contrary to the state's policy.
He noted that the state spends substantial resources on infrastructure and training, only to see graduates leave the healthcare facilities soon after completing their education.
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Mbah's plea is part of broader efforts to curb brain drain in Enugu's health sector. The state has upgraded the nursing college to a Higher National Diploma awarding institution, increasing its intake from 50 to 240 students.
The governor highlighted improvements in service conditions to encourage graduates to remain in the state and contribute to its healthcare system.
This appeal reflects a national concern, as other governors, like Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, also advocate for enhanced incentives to retain health workers and prevent them from seeking opportunities abroad.