Resident doctors tackle Pastor Poju Oyemade over N500k cost of training medical students in Nigeria
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has strongly criticized Pastor Poju Oyemade, the senior pastor of Covenant Christian Centre, over his recent claim that medical students in Nigeria complete their education with just N500,000.
Speaking during a sermon on April 13, Oyemade compared the cost of medical education in Nigeria to that in the United States. He asserted that while Nigerian doctors spend only N500,000 to become certified, those in the U.S. attend top schools like Harvard or Johns Hopkins at exorbitant costs.
His remarks, intended to highlight what he called the ungratefulness of Nigerians, quickly went viral and sparked backlash on social media.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), NARD condemned the pastor’s claim as “a gross misrepresentation” of the reality medical students face in Nigeria. The association cited a 2021 peer-reviewed study by Osoba et al., published in the Pan African Medical Journal, which places the actual cost of medical training in Nigeria between $21,000 and $51,000—accounting for tuition, living expenses, and related costs.
NARD also highlighted the stark contrast between the income levels of Nigerian doctors and their international counterparts. “Despite this investment, the average Nigerian doctor earns around N250,000 per month (approximately $170), compared to their U.S. peers who earn around $16,000 monthly,” the statement read.
The doctors’ association further called on Oyemade to use his platform responsibly. “It is easy for pastors who have access to tithes and offerings to seek healthcare abroad, but the average church member cannot,” the statement added.
NARD urged Oyemade to advocate for a stronger Nigerian healthcare system instead of making dismissive remarks about the country’s professionals.
The group concluded by reiterating that Nigerian doctors remain some of the most hardworking and resilient in the world, despite practicing under challenging conditions.
