Health Brain Drain: Nigerian-US Doctor Reveals How Halt Trend, Lead Africa in Regenerative Medicine

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A Nigerian-American physician and pioneer in regenerative medicine, Dr. David Ikudayisi, has declared that Nigeria possesses the capacity to halt the debilitating brain drain in its health sector and reposition itself as a continental hub for cutting-edge medical innovation.

The medical practitioner, who stated this in an interview with journalists in Abuja, admitted the exodus of Nigerian health professionals was neither irreversible nor inevitable.

He nevertheless, insisted that deliberate policy choices, improved working conditions and investment in advanced medical practice could stem the tide.

Ikudayisi, the Founder and Medical Director of Glory Wellness and Regenerative Centre, noted that migration pressures could be significantly reduced if the government at all levels prioritised competitive remuneration, modern hospital equipment and structured career progression for healthcare workers.

He said: “The solutions are not abstract. Good pay, attractive working conditions, sustained support for postgraduate training and credible incentives for research careers will keep our best hands at home. 

“Health workers want to be valued, supported and given room to grow,” he added.

Born in Ondo State and trained across Europe and the United States, Ikudayisi is a US board-certified physician in internal medicine, with specialisations in regenerative medicine, geriatrics and pain management. 

His exposure to regenerative therapies dates back to Paris in 1995, while his full clinical practice took root in the 2010s with the establishment of centres in the United States and Nigeria.

He explained that regenerative medicine represents a major global shift in healthcare, moving treatment beyond symptom management to biological repair. 

“In simple terms, regenerative medicine helps the body heal itself. It focuses on repairing or restoring damaged cells, tissues and organs so normal function can return,” he said.

According to him, regenerative medicine is now widely applied in orthopaedics and sports medicine, particularly in managing arthritis, joint degeneration, ligament and tendon injuries, chronic wounds and aspects of pain management. 

Its applications in stroke recovery, diabetes complications and sexual dysfunction are also expanding, supported by growing clinical evidence.

Ikudayisi said Nigeria no longer needed to export patients abroad to access such care, as Glory Wellness and Regenerative Centre, originally founded in Florida, now operates in Lekki, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

On specific conditions, he explained that regenerative medicine could improve joint tissue health in arthritis, support stroke recovery by reducing harmful inflammation, aid diabetic patients by enhancing blood flow and wound healing, and address sexual dysfunction by improving circulation, nerve recovery and tissue strength.

Beyond clinical outcomes, Dr. Ikudayisi stressed that embracing regenerative medicine would deliver long-term systemic benefits to Nigeria’s health sector. 

These, according to him, include reduced medical tourism, strengthened medical infrastructure, development of advanced skills such as cell processing and imaging-guided procedures, and improved outcomes tracking.

“If Nigeria builds trustworthy regenerative centres with proper governance, transparent outcomes and ethical practice aligned with regulatory guidance, we will not only retain talent but also attract patients from across Africa,” he said.

Asked about his vision for Nigeria’s future, Ikudayisi was emphatic. “I dream of a Nigeria where regenerative medicine is accessible, affordable and impactful for everyday people; where local doctors and scientists drive innovation; and where Nigeria becomes a regional leader exporting expertise and solutions to Africa.”

He added, “My goal is to bridge global innovation with local needs and help build a healthcare system that is homegrown, sustainable and truly transformative.”