A Nigerian medical doctor has sparked reactions online after expressing frustration over an alleged requirement that doctors must spend five years after registration before they can obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, a document used to verify their professional status when applying to practise medicine abroad.
In a video making the rounds on social media, the doctor lamented that the reported requirement could disrupt the plans of medical professionals who have invested millions of naira in international examinations and other processes required to secure opportunities outside Nigeria.
According to him, October 2028 was the date he could verify in relation to the reported policy. He warned that affected doctors could experience significant delays despite the time, money and effort they had already committed to pursuing medical careers abroad.
Expressing his disappointment, the doctor admitted that the challenges had made him question his decision to study medicine in Nigeria.
“Practising medicine in Nigeria is slavery,” he said, describing the difficulties confronting medical doctors in the country.
In another post, he shared a more detailed account of his frustrations, highlighting the personal sacrifices and financial commitments he had made to become a medical professional.
He wrote:
“Being a Medical Doctor in Nigeria is Slavery, it’s bondage, it’s something that’ll make you regret your life choices.
Nigeria will not make me use my mouth and say I regret studying medicine, I’ve held myself for too long not to say this.
I’ve invested my youth, my strength, my time, my life, my friends, my family, my desires, my passion, my countless of sleepless nights, my health, my everything, MILLIONS OF NAIRA into this profession and becoming a medical doctor.
I speak from a point of deep pain and speak on behalf of many medical doctors in Nigeria, I’m beginning to sincerely resent practicing medicine in Nigeria, deeply that it hurts.”
His comments reflect the frustration he says he feels over the challenges associated with practising medicine in Nigeria and pursuing opportunities abroad.
However, the specific requirement, its implementation date and the extent to which it applies to doctors seeking Certificates of Good Standing for overseas registration have not been independently verified.
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