According to Punch, Dr. Musa Abdullahi walks the corridors of a North Central teaching hospital with an ID card that once symbolized hope and honor. But to him, it now serves as a bitter reminder of promises unfulfilled. Though the title of “doctor” carries prestige among his family and community in Kwara State, the reality behind the white coat tells a much darker story…..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
After completing his housemanship, Abdullahi was retained as a locum doctor—temporary staff hired under contracts that offer no job security, no standard benefits, and salaries far below expectations. What once seemed like a stepping stone has become a trap.
With a monthly salary of ₦115,000, nearly ₦45,000 is spent just on transportation. After rent, food, and basic needs, he is left with almost nothing. The emotional strain is compounded by the pressure to support his aging parents and younger siblings—relatives who gave up everything to fund his education, hoping one day he would bring financial relief.
Instead, he finds himself making excuses, sending tiny amounts home, and occasionally asking for help from the same family he is supposed to be supporting.
He said; “I still call my mother at the end of the month to ask for small help, like N5,000 here and N10,000 there. It breaks me.”
Despite being trained to save lives, he feels powerless to save his own from economic despair.
Now in his third year of temporary employment, Abdullahi sees no upward mobility. There is no clear path to full-time status, no access to pensions or health benefits, and no recognition for the vital role he plays within the hospital. The system that trained him has offered no hand in return……CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>