RSU: Nigeria’s Health System Under Siege by Excessive Medicalization

RSU: Nigeria’s Health System Under Siege by Excessive Medicalization

The Dr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Senate Building at Rivers State University became a hub of intellectual discourse on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, as the institution hosted its 131st Inaugural Lecture. 

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Blessing Jaja, opened the proceedings by welcoming a distinguished audience of scholars, emeritus professors, and traditional rulers. 

In his opening remarks, Professor Jaja emphasized the university's commitment to fostering research that addresses the immediate systemic failures of the Nigerian state, setting the stage for a critical examination of the nation’s failing health architecture.

The inaugural lecturer, Professor Kalada Godson McFubara, a Professor of Health Policy and Medical Ethics, delivered a powerful presentation titled "Medicalization of Public Health: Imperatives for the Health System in Nigeria." He argued passionately that Nigeria’s public health sector has been crippled by "medicalization"—the practice of applying a curative, hospital-based philosophy to a discipline that should fundamentally be about prevention.

 This shift has resulted in alarming health statistics, with Nigeria’s life expectancy stagnating at 55 years and maternal mortality rates remaining nearly five times higher than the global average. Professor McFubara noted that by allowing clinicians to dominate administrative roles they are not trained for, the system has become inefficient, neglecting the essential foundations of sanitation, nutrition, and environmental protection.

He further critiqued the ethical and structural flaws of the current setup, pointing out that following professional codes of conduct does not automatically equate to ethical public health practice. 

The lecturer called for a radical shift from the current bipartite model of hospitals and primary care to a tripartite system that gives public health its own distinct, empowered status. 

He maintained that leadership within the health sector should be based on merit and specific administrative training rather than clinical seniority. Following the lecture, 

Professor Blessing Jaja returned to the podium for the closing remarks, commending Professor McFubara for his multidisciplinary research and urging the government to adopt the "Lagos State model" of establishing clear career paths for public health officers to ensure a more resilient and preventive-focused system.

The event reached its climax with the formal decoration of Professor McFubara and the presentation of an acknowledgment plaque in recognition of his academic contributions. 

Professor G.B. Okon, representing the Chairman of the University Lectures Committee, Professor Patrick Nwinyokpugi, offered the vote of thanks, praising the university management for maintaining an uninterrupted tradition of excellence.

 In a post-lecture interview with journalists, Professor McFubara reiterated his stance, warning that until clinicians are returned to hospitals to care for patients and public health experts are given the reins of health administration, Nigeria will continue to lag behind neighbors like Ghana and South Africa in population health outcomes.

By: Destiny Tamunoala Emmanuel