Motivations and Challenges of Becoming a Doctor in Nigeria: A Convergent Parallel Mixed-Methods Study at a Private Medical School

Authors

• Imesidayo O. Eboreime-Oikeh, Department of Medicine, Igbinedion University Okada, NigeriaFollow
• Oluyemi O. Akanni, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Benin City, Nigeria
• Kehinde O. Oderinde, Department of Mental Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin City, Nigeria.
• Oikigbeme S. Oikeh, Icahn School of Medicine & Mount Sinai-Elmhurst Hospital Center New York, USA
• Harmony U. Ibezim, Department of Medicine, Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital Okada, Nigeria
• Ofunre O. Eboreime, Department of Surgery, Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria
• James O. Akinwale, Department of Medicine, Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0003-0275-1556

Abstract

Purpose. To explore clinical medical students' motivations, training challenges, satisfaction, and career intentions, including gender differences at a private Nigerian medical school.

Methods. A cross-sectional, convergent mixed-methods study among clinical medical students at Igbinedion University, Nigeria, between February and April 2025. Exploratory factor analysis derived latent domains informing multivariable linear regression (satisfaction) and logistic regression (migration intention). Quantitative data from 241 students and qualitative data from focus groups/interviews (n = 32) were integrated via joint display.

Results. Among 241 respondents (mean age, 23.1 years; SD, 4.06; 68.1% female), societal impact was the primary motivation (75.6%) and academic workload the dominant challenge (69.5%). The apparent satisfaction prevalence of 52.3% increased to 55.1% after Rogan–Gladen adjustment. Career and workforce influence (β = 0.598; P < 0.001), extrinsic motivation (β = 0.409; P < 0.001), intrinsic motivation (β = 0.303; P < 0.001), and financial considerations (β = 0.273; P < 0.001) were positively associated with satisfaction. Qualitative themes highlighted workload pressure, resource deficits, and mentorship gaps as sources of disillusionment. Female students reported significantly higher burnout (P < 0.001). Overall, 77.6% intended to practice medicine; among these, 67.4% planned to migrate, higher among females (79.2% vs 46.3%; P < 0.001). Stress/burnout (AOR = 0.266; 95% CI; 0.11–0.64; P = 0.003) and institutional challenges (AOR = 0.311; 95% CI, 0.12–0.79; P = 0.014) were associated with lower odds of remaining in Nigeria.

Conclusion. In this study of medical students at a private Nigerian medical school, satisfaction was more strongly associated with motivational and career-related factors than with institutional stressors. However, persistent structural challenges and gendered training experiences were associated with high migration intentions. Strengthening mentorship, professional development opportunities, and gender-responsive support systems may improve student well-being and workforce retention in low-resource settings.

Recommended Citation

Eboreime-Oikeh, Imesidayo O.; Akanni, Oluyemi O.; Oderinde, Kehinde O.; Oikeh, Oikigbeme S.; Ibezim, Harmony U.; Eboreime, Ofunre O.; and Akinwale, James O. (2026) "Motivations and Challenges of Becoming a Doctor in Nigeria: A Convergent Parallel Mixed-Methods Study at a Private Medical School," Health Professions Education: Vol. 12: Iss. 6, Article 5.
DOI: 10.55890/2452-3011.1436
Available at: https://hpe.researchcommons.org/journal/vol12/iss6/5