- Medical Students first batch set to graduate
University of Osun Teaching Hospital Medical Director, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi, has commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his support and contributions to the hospital and the healthcare sector in Osun State.
Highlighting his achievements in the state’s medical sector, particularly at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, he noted the governor’s approval of ₦200 million for the remodeling of the hospital’s theatre, surgical outpatient, and medical outpatient facilities.
He said the gesture will now enable the institution to graduate its first batch of medical students.
He spoke while receiving the popular social media influencer Omolola Fasakin, also known as ‘Mewolaka,’ along with members of the governor’s media team led by Hon. Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media/
Afolabi stressed that his appointment as CMD was based on merit and was free from political interference.
He said, “I have known Governor Adeleke even before my appointment as CMD, and I can say he is a true medical philanthropist.
“In 2003, he called me while we were in church after reading in a newspaper about a child with a hole in the heart. Even though he didn’t know the mother personally, he made all the necessary arrangements for the child to be taken to a hospital in India. So, I am not surprised by his continued support for the health sector,” Afolabi recounted.
He noted that in the past, medical students of Osun State University had to complete their studies in other teaching hospitals across the country and beyond.
However, with the Governor’s approval, UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital and the university will now be able to graduate their first batch of medical students this year.
“This year, we are set to graduate the first batch of Osun State University medical students after Mr. Governor approved ₦200 million for the remodeling of our theatres,” he added.
Afolabi also acknowledged the contributions of various philanthropists to the hospital, crediting Adeleke for attracting such support.
He revealed that a 100-bed hospital, tagged ‘Mother and Child,’ was donated to the institution, and the Governor provided electricity to the facility. In addition, one of the governor’s friends donated a commercial borehole, and recently, the hospital received a bus donation for the facility.
“My appointment as CMD was strictly merit-based, just like the governor’s election. There were challenges here and there, but my selection followed due process because Governor Adeleke is a man of integrity. For the first time, an interview process was conducted to select a CMD, unlike in the past when appointments were politically influenced,” he stated.
Listing other achievements of the Governor in the hospital, Afolabi disclosed that before his tenure, the hospital owed ₦146 million to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). However, the governor approved ₦80 million to offset the debt, which has since allowed the hospital to enjoy 18-hour power supply daily.
“When I assumed office as CMD, we were owing IBEDC ₦146 million and had even taken the issue to court. But when we informed the governor, he approved ₦80 million to settle part of the debt, allowing us to now enjoy 18-hour electricity supply.”
He further praised the governor’s commitment to staff welfare, including regular promotions and the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“The governor has done exceptionally well in terms of staff welfare. He gave a ₦20 million cash donation to all patients and another ₦20 million to hospital staff during his visit. He is the first governor to visit this hospital since 2012.
“He also implemented the long-awaited regularization of employment for nurses, ensuring their benefits are duly paid. Before now, many staff members were leaving this teaching hospital for others, even within the state, but that has stopped.”
On Adeleke’s Imole Free Medical Outreach, Afolabi revealed that over 25,000 residents benefited in the first phase, 23,000 in the second phase, and another round is currently ongoing in Ede.
“Governor Adeleke recently approved the construction of an Oxygen Plant for the hospital, and work on the project will commence soon,” he added.
