ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A Professor of Public Health and Health Systems Economics at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), Chima Onoka, has said that academic research alone cannot fix Nigeria’s healthcare challenges without strong policy execution, political will and institutional reform.
Onoka made the submission on Thursday while delivering the 241st inaugural lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), titled “Bridging the Divide: The Pracademic’s Mandate in the Quest for Universal Health Coverage.”
He argued that Nigeria’s healthcare system cannot be transformed by research output alone, stressing the need for professionals who can combine academic knowledge with practical policy engagement and implementation capacity.
According to him, meaningful reform requires experts who are not only researchers but also active participants in governance processes, negotiation and advocacy.
The professor introduced the concept of the “pracademic,” describing it as a blend of academic scholarship and real-world policy execution skills needed to bridge the gap between research findings and government action.
Onoka urged Nigerian universities to adopt what he called “advanced pracademic agency,” where scholars are trained to translate research into practical policies while building stronger partnerships with government institutions, civil society and the private sector.
He also called for closer collaboration among researchers, policymakers and healthcare practitioners to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
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The don noted that Nigeria already has sufficient research evidence to guide healthcare reforms, but implementation remains weak due to political interests, bureaucratic delays and poor execution of policies.
He described universal health coverage as “a power problem” rather than merely a technical issue, arguing that reforms often threaten entrenched interests controlling healthcare financing and public resources.
Onoka further lamented Nigeria’s heavy reliance on out-of-pocket healthcare spending, putting it at about 72 per cent of total health expenditure borne directly by citizens.
He contrasted this with countries such as Rwanda, Kenya and Ghana, where out-of-pocket spending ranges between 30 and 40 per cent.
The professor also disclosed that Nigeria’s government health spending per capita is about 21 times lower than the global average.
He estimated the country’s financing gap for achieving universal health coverage at between N157 trillion and N236 trillion over the next decade, while noting that better efficiency and resource allocation could reduce the burden significantly.
Onoka commended recent reforms by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), including expanded insurance coverage, improved strategic purchasing, actuarial reforms and stronger 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 for millions of Nigerians.
He warned that without effective financial protection systems, many citizens would continue to be pushed into poverty due to medical costs.
The professor further stressed the need for long-term workforce planning, improved institutional funding and policies aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency in the sector.
At the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Josaphat Onwumere, commended the lecture, describing it as rich in intellectual depth and practical relevance.
He praised Onoka’s emphasis on mentorship and acknowledged his recognition of key contributors to health systems research in Nigeria.