Research alone cannot transform Nigeria’s healthcare — Prof. Onoka
He spoke on Thursday while delivering the 241st Inaugural Lecture of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, held at its Enugu Campus.
The lecture was titled “Bridging the Divide: The Pracademic’s Mandate in the Quest for Universal Health Coverage.”
Onoka said effective healthcare reform requires professionals who can combine academic knowledge with practical skills in negotiation, advocacy, and policy execution.
He described a “pracademic” as a professional who bridges the gap between research and real-world policy implementation, urging universities to strengthen what he called “pracademic agency” to improve development outcomes.
According to him, Nigeria already has sufficient research evidence to drive healthcare reform, but progress has been slowed by political interests, bureaucratic constraints and weak policy execution.
He said: “Universal health coverage is not only a technical issue but a power problem, because reforms often challenge existing structures that control resources and financing.”
Onoka noted that about 72 per cent of healthcare spending in Nigeria is still paid directly by citizens, compared with between 30 and 40 per cent in countries such as Rwanda, Kenya and Ghana.
He further disclosed that government health spending per person in Nigeria is about 21 times lower than the global average, warning that the country faces a Universal Health Coverage financing gap estimated between ₦157 trillion and ₦236 trillion over the next decade.
He, however, expressed optimism that improved efficiency, better resource allocation and ongoing reforms could reduce the burden.
The don commended reforms under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), including expanded insurance coverage, strategic purchasing frameworks and strengthened regulatory systems.
He also praised the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, describing it as a key social protection mechanism capable of expanding access to healthcare services.
Onoka warned that without adequate financial protection systems, Nigerians would continue to face high out-of-pocket spending that deepens poverty.
He also called for stronger health workforce planning, improved institutional funding and reforms aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency in the sector.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Josaphat Onwumere, commended the lecture for its intellectual depth and practical relevance.
The event was attended by academics, family members and friends of the professor.
NAN
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