Preparing the Next Generation of Nigeria’s Oncology Workforce: Current Capacity, Pipeline Gaps, and Strategic Policy Options
N Lasebikan, KE Udeogu, EP Anasiudu, OA Fatiregun, TI Ilori, F Sarimiye, O Biyi-Olutunde, A Oladeji, MA Jimoh, UE Nwokwu, OA LasebikanBackground:
Nigeria carries a high and rising cancer burden, yet the number of trained oncology specialists remains critically low. Building a sustainable oncology workforce depends largely on attracting medical students into oncology-related careers during undergraduate training. However, data on Nigerian medical students’ interest in oncology and their level of exposure to the specialty remain limited.
Objective:
This study assessed the level of interest in oncology careers among Nigerian medical students, evaluated their exposure to oncology education and clinical training, and identified factors associated with interest in oncology specialties.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 501 clinical year medical students drawn from 17 accredited medical schools across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic characteristics, interest in oncology, exposure to oncology teaching and clinical postings, and perceptions of the specialty. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 and involved descriptive, inferential, and predictive analysis, with significance set at
Results:
Only 27.5% of respondents expressed interest in pursuing a career in oncology, while nearly half were not interested. Surgical oncology, Radiation and clinical oncology (CO), and Hematology oncology were the most preferred subspecialties, with very low interest in oncology research. Exposure to oncology was generally limited, with short clinical rotation durations across all oncology disciplines, particularly radiation and CO. Being taught oncology as a distinct subject during the preclinical years was significantly associated with interest in oncology, while institutional type and presence of residency programme were not.
Conclusion:
Interest in oncology among Nigerian medical students is low, and exposure to oncology training is limited, despite the country’s growing cancer burden. Strengthening undergraduate oncology education through structured teaching, clinical exposure, and mentorship may support development of a more robust and sustainable oncology workforce in Nigeria.