Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola; and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola on Monday commissioned the N34 billion Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital built for Osun State University (UNIOSUN).
The Nation recalled that the foundation of the hospital was laid in 2018. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Clement Adebooye, had disclosed that UNIOSUN would boast one of the best teaching hospitals in Nigeria, courtesy of its Chancellor, Apostle (Dr) Folorunso Alakija, who donated the over N34 billion complex located in Osogbo.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Prof. Osinbajo described the facility as a monument to life, a sanctuary of healing, and a forge for the next generation of African medical excellence.
He said the hospital was designed not only to address contemporary healthcare and research needs but also to serve as a future-ready medical facility for Africa, with a 250-bed capacity.
His words, “This Hospital represents promise and potential. At a time when our regions still sends too many patients abroad for advance care, this institution points in a different direction. A future where care is delivered closer to home, medical professional are trained to global standards within our Africa and research to relevant to African reality are conducted by African scientists on African soil.
“We sustain the investment in people partnership and research. This hospital has the potential to evolve into the leading regional health centre, serving not only Nigeria but Africa has a whole.”
Earlier, Governor Ademola Adeleke in his address said the facility is first of its kind in Africa which must be protected and promoted.
He commended the philanthropic gesture of Alakija, saying the business mogul opened the vistas of opportunity by donating the all-in-one facility for the usage of everyone including global communities.
The donor, Alakija said she was driven by a vision to revolutionize healthcare in Nigeria, and following extensive consultations with reputable international medical experts, architects, and project engineers.
“We conceived a hospital that would end medical tourism overseas, improve the wellness of Nigerians, and serve as a training center for core health professionals.
“The Hospital is comprised of 250 admission beds, 20 Clinical Departments, 5 non-Clinical Departments, Community Health Unit, Maternity and Neonatal Medicare, Research and Diagnostics Laboratories, 4 State-of-the-art operating theatres, cutting-edge diagnostic imaging inclusive of CT scan, MRI scanning facility, ultrasound scanning facility, X-ray and radiotherapy suites, 16 /CUs, Ophthalmology unit, modern mortuary, several facilities to encourage and improve healthcare delivery research among others.”
The VC, Adebooye pleaded with the institution Governing Council to ensure that people who will be appointed to run and work in the hospital are responsible, responsive to lead with dignity and total commitment.
