By Helen Udo.
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has praised the West African College of Physicians (WACP) for its outstanding contribution to medical education, human capacity development, and quality healthcare delivery across the West African region.
General Nafiu gave the commendation when the executive members of the WACP, led by its Secretary General, Dr. Habibu Galandachi, paid him a courtesy visit at the NYSC National Direct.
This was contained in a statement signed by Caroline Embu, Director, Information and Public Relations orate Headquarters in Abuja.
He described the College as a vital institution whose role in training and certifying physicians is indispensable to maintaining high professional standards and improving healthcare services across the region.
The NYSC Director General assured the College of the Scheme’s readiness to support its programmes and collaborate on initiatives that promote national and regional development through healthcare.
General Nafiu also urged the WACP to develop strategies that would discourage the migration of medical professionals abroad, noting that Nigeria continues to face a shortage of qualified doctors due to the growing brain drain.
During the meeting, he highlighted the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which equips Corps Members with entrepreneurial skills to become self-reliant after service.
He further showcased the achievements of NYSC Ventures, noting that the initiative produces items such as bread, bottled water, and poultry products, while creating opportunities for youth empowerment and economic growth.
Earlier, the WACP Secretary General, Dr. Habibu Galandachi, said the delegation visited to seek the NYSC’s support for the College’s Annual General Meeting and 50th Anniversary celebrations, scheduled for 26–28 October 2026 in Nigeria.
Dr. Galandachi noted that Nigeria is the College’s largest chapter and biggest beneficiary, expressing optimism that the landmark anniversary would be a memorable event with the support of key national institutions such as the NYSC.
He added that the NYSC has made significant contributions to national development through its deployment policy, which promotes unity and exposes Corps doctors to valuable hands-on professional experience, further strengthening healthcare delivery across the country.
