Health & Education

The current trajectory of the health care sector is defined in large part by the potential offered by Nigeria’s demographics and income profile. However, realising that potential will necessitate major investment and reforms to ensure that both public and private infrastructure can keep pace with demand. With an 184m-strong population growing at 2.7% per year, propelling the country to the upper ranks of the global population tables, the burden on public social services is great and growing. This is placing a strain on the under-resourced and underfunded public health system, but is also opening up the way for private providers. The education sector is also feeling the pressure created by the country’s demographics. Without further reform and attention, the state school system – currently underfunded and understaffed – is likely to come under severe stress. However, if the government is able to adapt accordingly, it can capitalise on the current youth bulge, facilitating a rise in economic productivity and a drop in the dependency ratio.

This chapter contains an interview with Isaac Folorunso Adewole, Minister of Health.