The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended the remarkable donation of $1 million (₦1.6 billion) by U.S.-based Nigerian medical professional, Dr. Philip Ozuah, to the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), in South-West Nigeria.
The generous donation facilitated the construction of six blocks of student hostels at CoMUI, significantly easing the accommodation challenges faced by medical students.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Ibadan, Dabiri-Erewa hailed Dr. Ozuah’s act of philanthropy, calling it a beacon of hope and patriotism, and encouraged other Nigerians in the diaspora to emulate such contributions toward strengthening the nation’s health and education sectors.
“Diaspora engagement is a game changer. Through acts of generosity and collaboration with professionals abroad, we can transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
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Diaspora’s Growing Role in Health Infrastructure
Highlighting the increasing impact of diaspora investments in Nigeria, the NiDCOM boss revealed that more than 10 hospitals have been built by diaspora doctors over the last four years. These include major projects such as the recently commissioned African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja.
She added that the efforts of diaspora medical professionals are already contributing significantly to reducing the need for outbound medical tourism.
“Undoubtedly, we can reverse the trend of medical tourism if we harness the expertise of our health professionals at home and abroad,” she said.
PRESS STATEMENT
DABIRI-EREWA COMMENDS DR PHILIP OZUAH, A DIASPORAN, FOR DONATING A ONE- MILLION DOLLAR STUDENT HOSTEL TO UCH COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Abuja, June 13, 2025: Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has applauded the kind… pic.twitter.com/QuxsIaIb0L
— Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (@nidcom_gov) June 13, 2025
A Call for Coordinated Medical Excellence
Dabiri-Erewa also advocated for stronger structural coordination between Nigerian professionals abroad and local institutions, noting that a united diaspora effort could lead to the development of world-class medical centres capable of attracting both local and international patients.
About Dr. Philip Ozuah
Dr. Philip Ozuah, a 1985 alumnus of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, is the current President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine, New York, USA. His contribution not only reflects a deep sense of giving back to his roots but also sets a high standard for diaspora-led development initiatives.
His gesture is already being celebrated as a milestone in diaspora philanthropy, and a vital step toward improving medical education and healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria.