The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, near Jos, has organised a five-day training for resident doctors on Effective Policy Making and Strategic Leadership.

Ayo Omotayo, the director general of NIPSS, declared the training open on Tuesday in Jos.

Mr Omotayo described the exercise as timely.

Mr Omotayo, who commended the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors for its partnership in shaping policies, said the training would equip participants to reposition Nigeria’s health sector.

“I commend the leadership of NARD for recognising the importance of strategic engagement, leadership development and policy literacy in addressing the complex challenges.

“Your presence here is great and will enable you to respond towards more constructive, structured, informed and sustainable approaches.

“Nigeria’s health sector operates within a highly complex policy environment, shaped by physical constraints of international priorities, institutional coordination challenges and growing pressures arising from workforce migration and rising public exploitation within this environment,” said Mr Omotayo.

According to him, resident doctors not only occupy a uniquely strategic position as critical service providers but also are future leaders of the health system.

The director general added that the training, which aligns particularly with its purpose, was designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of policymaking.

He further said that it would enhance their leadership and negotiation skills and equip them with practical tools for effective engagement.

Mohammad Sulieman, the national president of NARD, said the training would equip participants with leadership skills to drive the country’s health sector.

Mr Suleiman said the training would equip participants with the knowledge and tools to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“NIPSS is the foremost and apex policymaking institute in Nigeria, and we are leaders in the health sector, albeit maybe mid-level, but soon and in the future, we’ll be top-level leaders. It is important that we arm ourselves with the necessary tools required to salvage the health sector in Nigeria; this is not just for resident doctors, it is for our patients and the nation.

“Resident doctors are patriotic Nigerians. We all stay back to serve our country so that we apply ourselves to the instruments the country has in training us for better and effective healthcare service delivery,” he said.

The president thanked NIPSS for providing NARD with the opportunity to partner with it to improve the nation’s health sector.

(NAN)