Dear Mansagian,
Fourteen billion pounds is the contribution by source countries of diaspora healthcare professionals to the NHS workforce. A figure that health professionals of Nigerian heritage make a significant contribution to, as the country with the third highest number of International Medical Graduates globally and (the highest from Africa) to the NHS. These are the figures published by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health & Security that investigated the NHS global workforce recruitment drive and explored how diaspora professionals can be acknowledged, recognised, and rewarded within the NHS and globally.
As the report was launched in the UK House of Parliament last week, our President, Bola Tinubu was fêted by King Charles at a glittering state banquet in Windsor Castle. It was gratifying that the King himself highlighted the pioneering contributions of Nigerians to modern UK culture, football, fashion, food, and of course the NHS. ‘Naija no dey carry last!’ the King reminded his audience.
The last week has been quite busy darting from discussions in Whitehall with Nigerian and UK business leaders to inform them of our role in the delivery of the 2026 Diaspora Health Impact Initiative, and the Global Health Partnership conference, urging policy makers to develop pathways through which our expertise and experience developed, honed and polished within the NHS can be used to strengthen our health systems in Nigeria. It was encouraging to meet leaders of other diaspora medical associations at the GHP conference tackling similar issues. We have a shared commitment to work with UK based institutions to propose a scheme that supports those of us that wish to contribute to health care systems in our countries of heritage.
Lots have happened in MANSAG since my last newsletter. I was thrilled to see that MANSAG Scotland has been formally launched and held its inaugural meeting on 1 March 2026. Many congratulations to Dr Muda Salami and his leadership team. They have started planning in earnest to host the entire MANSAG community at our 29th Annual General Conference in Glasgow in October 2026. We are developing our clinical students’ network, updating our framework for pharmacists, nurses, midwives, and allied health care professionals within the MANSAG family so we are truly an inclusive welcoming organisation for everyone. We have explored with some of our members in Wales how to set up an active MANSAG community there. Several chapters have already organised events for their members this year and more are coming up as the warmer weather springs upon us. I’m particularly excited about a project led by London MANSAG – Our Story – A humanities production that will use Arts and Drama to explore the wider issues in society for patients that are affected by Sickle Cell Disease. If you are interested in being part of this project, please contact london@mansag.org for more details.
We held our Town Hall meeting recently where we shared several updates on the work of MANSAG. The recording of the Townhall Meeting may be viewed here, MANSAG Town Hall March 2026. In addition to our MANSAG Travel Fellowships worth £1500 for successful applicants, Professor Okike, Chair of the Research & Academy Committee discussed the new Research Award Recognition Scheme. The benefit to members that receive these awards is PRICELESS! Please self-nominate yourself for any of these awards. I am delighted to welcome AFIN Bank as a Gold Partner of MANSAG. The bank is keen to support members looking for a mortgage to purchase their own home. Did you know that all you need is 6 months residency in England & Wales to access a mortgage from them? Please enquire from info@mansag.org if you need any more information.
The 2026 Education Symposium is about six weeks away. It will be held in Newcastle and signals the re-birth of MANSAG in the Northeast, where decades ago local General Practitioner Dr. Nnenna Cookey and her family, nurtured and supported an infant MANSAG to become the flourishing adult organisation it is today. We will be honouring the legacy of one of our Founding Members, Dr Alfa Sa’adu – A Consultant Physician in London – with the Galadima Lecture. We are privileged that his wife, Dr Diane Macaulay be our Guest at the Symposium to share her insights into the life of a remarkable, pioneering, trailblazing Nigerian whose life and work has made it possible for us today to be celebrated by King Charles III. After a day of state of the art lectures, workshops and abstract presentations, we will unwind with a drama production of ‘Our Story’ produced by Dr Ada Ejiofor a Consultant Anaesthetist, before dancing the night away at our Charity Ball. Please visit www.mansag.org to get your ticket to this fantastic digitally enabled event organised by our colleagues in MANSAG Northeast.
Dates for your Diary:
- Saturday 2 May 2026: MANSAG 16th Annual Education Symposium, Galadima Lecture and Charity Ball. Marriott elta Hotel. Gateshead. Newcastle. Dr U Onyechere. northeast@mansag.org
And finally,
My reflections from the events of the past week was the recognition by many influential individuals and institutions of the pioneering efforts by MANSAG in supporting our members here in the UK and strengthening systems in Nigeria. Dr Salako the Honourable Minster of State for Health highlighted in his address to the London Global Health Partnerships Conference that the MANSAG Initiative, DHII 2026, is an exemplar of how diaspora health professionals working in the destination countries like UK can be supported with their own personal professional development whilst also ensuring they can contribute with impact to improved health systems in their home countries. We are engaging with several partners in the business world so our members can build their own wealth here in the UK and in Nigeria. MANSAG is pioneering innovative models of engaging our members – whether it is building new communities, adopting digital models for networking with each other, championing creativity amongst our members, or establishing new mutually beneficial partnerships, it is fair to say that MANSAG no dey carry last!
Until next time……
Remain Blessed.
Jide,
Dr. Jide Menakaya
President, MANSAG
#MANSAGisMINE