Posted on: Thu 15-05-2025

"Doctor" Title Expansion Sparks Tension in Nigeria’s Health Sector

A storm is brewing in Nigeria’s healthcare sector following a controversial move by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to elevate the academic degrees of pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists from bachelor’s to doctorate level. What was meant to reflect professional advancement has instead stirred fierce debates over hierarchy, identity, and governance in medical practice.

Doctors Push Back: “This Could Confuse Patients”

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) isn’t pleased. In a strongly worded statement, the group warned that allowing more professionals to bear the “Doctor” title could mislead patients, stoke inter-professional rivalry, and even open the floodgates to quackery in an already fragile system.

“This change prioritizes titles over systemic reform,” said NARD. “Over the years, many health workers have focused more on competing with doctors than on fixing deeper issues in the system.”

NARD emphasized that around the world, clinical leadership and remuneration still favor physicians. “Patients typically consult doctors for diagnosis and treatment decisions,” the group stated, arguing that global salary structures and hospital hierarchies reflect this reality.

Global Practices or “Copy and Paste”?

The doctors also challenged the NUC’s rationale, which cites global best practices. NARD countered that in countries like the UK and Germany, strict professional boundaries are maintained — and non-physicians only earn the “Doctor” title through a PhD, not professional upgrades.

Dr. Zenith Osundara, NARD President, expressed concern that the move could create a slippery slope. “Today it’s pharmacists and physiotherapists; tomorrow, pharmacy technicians or nursing assistants may demand doctoral recognition too,” he warned.

He also criticized the idea of calling pharmacists “consultants” for specific conditions like diabetes. “Managing diabetes isn’t just about one drug or parameter. An endocrinologist treats the whole patient, including co-existing conditions. That’s a different level of training.”

“Titles Don’t Solve Brain Drain”

Osundara dismissed suggestions that granting doctoral titles might help curb the brain drain plaguing Nigeria’s health sector. “Healthcare workers are leaving because of poor welfare and lack of support, not because of what title they hold,” he said. “People think doctors are rich, but when inflation hits, it hits us hard too.”

He warned that blurring professional lines without the proper regulatory framework is dangerous. “This isn't about being politically correct. It's about what’s medically appropriate for Nigeria.”

MDCAN Weighs In: “Who Leads the Team?”

Professor Aminu Mohammad, President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), echoed similar concerns. He warned that letting everyone be called “Doctor” could compromise clinical leadership and patient safety.

“In a hospital, all patients are admitted under a consultant. If everyone’s a doctor, who’s in charge?” he asked. Mohammad pointed to Ghana as a cautionary example, where similar confusion led to policy reversals. “The authority to be called a doctor in a clinical context should come from the Medical and Dental Council, not just a university certificate.”

Pushback from Other Health Professionals: “This is About Equity”

But not everyone agrees. King-David Ahuchaogu, General Secretary of the Young Pharmacists Group in Enugu, called NARD’s concerns “elitist, misleading, and outdated.”

He reminded critics that the title “Doctor” has deep academic roots and is not exclusive to physicians. “This isn’t about ego. It’s about fairness,” he argued, citing a 2009 Memorandum of Understanding between health sector unions and the Federal Ministry of Health that supports equitable treatment.

Ahuchaogu also rejected claims that only doctors are essential. “No physician works in isolation. We all play critical roles — from pharmacists to lab scientists to physiotherapists.”

He urged the NUC to stand firm and resist pressure. “Nigeria isn’t an island. This change aligns with global trends that encourage mutual respect among professionals.”

Pharmaceutical Society Fires Back at NMA: “This Hurts Teamwork”

Ayuba Tanko, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), went even further. He accused the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) of sabotaging efforts at teamwork and collaboration in the health sector.

“The NMA is always opposed to progress from other professionals,” Tanko said. “They don’t believe healthcare is a team effort, and that’s dangerous for patient care.”

He added that the NMA’s frequent threats of strike action give them undue influence over government policy. “It’s not about titles; it’s about power. And that’s what they’re trying to protect.”

The Bottom Line

The NUC’s decision to grant doctoral status to more health professionals has lit a fire under a long-simmering debate. On one side, medical doctors worry about patient safety, leadership clarity, and professional dilution. On the other, pharmacists and allied health workers say it’s time for equity, recognition, and respect.

As the controversy unfolds, one thing is clear: Nigeria’s healthcare sector needs more than titles to fix what’s broken. It needs unity, reform, and leadership that puts patients first.

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