Professor Yemi Osinbajo SAN GCON officiated the commissioning of the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital, donated by Mr Modupe Folarin Alakija and Apostle Dr Folorunso Alakija and executed by Famfa Oil Limited, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare and medical education development.
The commissioning ceremony, held at Osun State University, Osogbo, brought together senior government officials, traditional rulers, university leadership, and the management of Famfa Oil Limited, reflecting broad institutional support for private sector-driven investment in public healthcare infrastructure.
In his welcome address, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, described the hospital as a transformational intervention for the university and the state. He noted that the facility would significantly strengthen the university’s College of Health Sciences by providing the clinical depth required for quality medical training, research, and specialist healthcare delivery. He expressed the university’s profound gratitude to the donors and Famfa Oil Limited for what he described as an enduring legacy that would serve generations of students, researchers, and patients.
Speaking as Co-Donor and Chancellor of Osun State University, Apostle Dr Folorunso Alakija said the commissioning marked the fulfilment of a vision conceived over seven years ago. She explained that the project, which began with a turning of the sod ceremony in November 2018, evolved from an initial paediatric hospital concept into a comprehensive medical research and training hospital in response to the expanding needs of the university and the nation’s healthcare challenges.
She noted that the 250-bed facility was designed to address critical gaps in medical manpower development, research capacity, and access to specialised healthcare, while also contributing to the reduction of medical tourism. The hospital comprises twenty clinical departments, five non-clinical departments, modern research laboratories, advanced diagnostic and imaging facilities, multiple operating theatres, intensive care units, maternity and neonatal services, and other specialised units built to international standards.
Apostle Alakija acknowledged the support of successive Osun State governments, past and present university leadership, and the Ataoja of Osogbo land for their roles in bringing the project to fruition. She also called for continued collaboration to support complementary infrastructure such as staff accommodation, emergency transport systems, and future expansion phases.
Commissioning the facility, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, commended the donors and Famfa Oil Limited for demonstrating how private sector leadership can strengthen public institutions. He emphasised that sustainable national development is anchored on strong universities and teaching hospitals that are properly equipped to train professionals, advance research, and deliver quality healthcare. According to him, partnerships of this nature are crucial for enhancing health outcomes and fostering resilient national systems.
The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Wale Oladipo, the Chancellor of the university, and the Executive Governor of Osun State also delivered goodwill messages, underscoring the hospital’s strategic importance to the university and the state.
The Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital is expected to play a critical role in advancing medical education, research, and healthcare delivery at Osun State University, while standing as a model for effective private sector collaboration in public development.
