The Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital, in Ondo State, has called on stakeholders to support its developmental initiatives, emphasising the institution’s commitment to medical research, training, and improved healthcare delivery.
The one-year-old Federal Government-owned medical institution aims to become a leading centre for medical research in Nigeria, in collaboration with both local and international partners.
The pioneer Chief Medical Director, Professor Olusegun Ojo, made the appeal on Thursday in Akure, while speaking with journalists during the hospital’s first anniversary celebration.
According to him, the teaching hospital, established by the Federal Government in March 2015, has emerged as a premier training hub, producing highly skilled and ethical healthcare professionals—including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and health administrators.
He said, “We aim to lead in medical research through dedicated research centres, institutional ethics committees, and internationally recognised publications that will drive innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and public health policy.
“Specialised services such as emergency interventions, cancer care, dialysis, and neurosurgery will become readily accessible here in Akure, significantly reducing medical tourism and ultimately saving lives.
“Through corporate social responsibility initiatives—including school health programmes, radio health awareness campaigns, and patient advocacy efforts—we will continue to reach underserved communities while promoting patient rights and service satisfaction.
“You will continue to see the trusted faces of our dedicated doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals—now equipped with improved tools, enhanced motivation, and stronger professional capacity. While change may bring temporary inconveniences such as construction activities or schedule adjustments, your patience, feedback, and continued trust in our services remain invaluable.
“We invite volunteers, NGOs, businesses, and community leaders to partner with us—through donations, infrastructure support, or advocacy for improved health policies.”
Ojo, however, noted that the institution has faced several challenges, particularly funding, as the budget had already been passed before the hospital’s take-off last year.
He explained, “Humans are the most important input into any development effort. To restructure or put in place a new structure that workers do not know is a major challenge. We have to educate, reorient, and adjust the flow of authority. With my management team, we are equal to the task and making progress.
“Another challenge is accessing federal funding. In the year of our creation, the budget had already started to be implemented. For the first six months before I took over, funding was a significant challenge.”
The CMD commended the Ondo State Government, the monarch of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, and other traditional rulers for their continued support in the hospital’s developmental process.
He said, “The government of Ondo State has been wonderful in providing the logistical support necessary to ensure successful operations and development of the institution.”
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