The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has strongly refuted recent claims made by Pastor Poju Oyemade, describing his remarks on the cost of medical education in Nigeria as misleading and capable of inciting public resentment towards healthcare professionals.
In a widely circulated sermon, Pastor Oyemade had asserted that Nigerian medical students spend as little as ₦500,000 on their entire education—an amount he compared to the substantial tuition fees paid by their counterparts in the United States.
“In Nigeria, a person will graduate as a medical doctor and spend ₦500,000 throughout to become a doctor. In America, you graduate from Johns Hopkins or Harvard as a doctor and you spend $200,000. Are you okay? Do you know how much money you spend?” Oyemade said during the sermon.
However, speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle FM, NARD President, Dr. Dele Osundara, debunked the claim, describing it as an inaccurate generalisation that overlooks the realities of medical training in Nigeria.
“It is simply not possible to train as a medical doctor in Nigeria with ₦500,000. That amount won’t even cover tuition for two semesters in most medical schools, not to mention housing, feeding, books, practicals, and numerous examination fees,” Dr. Osundara stated.
He explained that the average cost for a semester in medical school could be as high as ₦300,000, excluding personal expenses and materials essential for learning.
“Even before licensing, there are costs. Part 1 MB to the final stage, every step demands payment. So nobody should isolate one part of the system and build a whole narrative around it. Who does that?” he added.
Dr. Osundara cautioned that such misconceptions could fuel hostility and deepen the already strained relationship between the public and healthcare workers.
“Misinforming the public is dangerous. People already come into hospitals with aggression because they think doctors owe them. Statements like these only worsen that dynamic,” he warned.
While emphasizing that he holds Pastor Oyemade in high regard, Osundara urged the cleric to review his remarks and present more factual perspectives.
“Pastor Poju is a friend of the profession. We see no reason for conflict, but we believe he needs to reassess his statements and speak with better context. Accurate information is key, especially when you’re speaking from a pulpit that influences millions,” he advised.
On the broader state of healthcare in Nigeria, the NARD President lamented the lack of investment in the sector, which forces even top government officials to seek medical attention abroad.
“If the president has to travel to London or Paris for treatment, what hope does an average Nigerian have? Their chances of receiving quality care are near zero,” he concluded.
