Expert warns of brain disorder surge in Nigeria by 2030

A consultant neurologist at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Dr. Temitope Farombi, has issued a stark warning that, by 2030, the number of Nigerians suffering from brain disorders will triple the current burden.

Speaking on Monday, Farombi highlighted that hypertension and diabetes are major contributors to neurological conditions in Nigeria, with one in four Nigerians affected by hypertension and one in six by diabetes.

Farombi, who is also the founder of The Brain Centre, emphasised the transformative role the newly commissioned facility will play in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“The facility stands as a beacon of hope, innovation, and excellence, committed to improving the lives of patients with neurological disorders,” he said.

He continued, “I have been trained abroad, so I know we have the talent. We need government support to enact policies that will retain our best hands. I decided to stay back to provide community support, having been trained by the government for over 20 years. This is us giving back to society and giving back to the government.”

Farombi pointed out that non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are driving neurological conditions in Nigeria.

He said, “In Nigeria today, one in four persons has hypertension, and one in six persons has diabetes. These are major non-communicable diseases that are driving neurological conditions in Nigeria.”

He further warned that by 2030, Nigeria will experience three times the current rate of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, stroke, headaches, insomnia, depression, and mental health diseases.

“We are here to support everyone with neurological disorders to recover and be reintegrated into society,” he stated.

In her keynote address, Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, praised The Brain Centre as a game-changer in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

She noted that the facility would address neurological emergencies and aid long-term recovery for patients with complex neurological conditions.

“The Brain Centre symbolises hope for a future where specialised care is accessible to all. It reflects our shared commitment to building a healthcare system that prioritises every aspect of health, including the often-overlooked domain of brain health,” she said.

Ilori also emphasised the importance of the facility for Persons Living with HIV, saying, “For PLHIV, the Brain Centre represents a future where no one is left behind, where every individual can live a life of dignity and purpose, regardless of the challenges they face.”

Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who was represented by Dr. Saka Adewunmi, described the centre as a testament to collective efforts in bringing world-class healthcare to Ibadan.

He called for the facility to serve as a model for innovative healthcare solutions in Nigeria and beyond. The senator also pledged continued legislative support for the improvement of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

In their goodwill messages, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Abiodun Olatunji and Prof. Mojisola Atalabi lamented the dilapidated state of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery and urged the National Assembly to allocate more funding to the nation’s health sector, especially the University College Hospital, to improve service delivery.

Prominent Nigerians who attended the event included Prof. Olatunde Farombi, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta; Prof. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA; Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District; SAN Abiodun Olatunji; Rev. Segun Adebowale of Grace and Mercy Ministries; Prof. Mojisola Atalabi from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan; and various healthcare professionals and community leaders.