The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, has announced plans to launch an Executive MBA programme in health management. This initiative aims to develop visionary leaders capable of navigating the complex intersection of healthcare, technology, finance, and human behaviour.
Programme Objectives
The programme is designed to equip clinicians transitioning into leadership roles, health administrators, public health professionals, NGO leaders, and sector entrepreneurs with advanced managerial and analytical skills. According to the institution, this will enable them to lead effectively in a dynamic environment.
Addressing the Leadership Gap
Prof. Leroy Edozien, Dean of the Faculty of Health Law and Humanities, stated that the programme is a response to the leadership gap in health systems management. He noted that while the public often focuses on staff and resource shortages, effective management is equally critical. "You can have all the resources in the world. If you don’t have the appropriate leadership, you’re not going to optimise the use of your resources," he said.
Online Delivery and Flexibility
A standout feature of the programme is its 100 per cent online delivery model. This allows working professionals to study from anywhere in the world without career interruption. "You could be in Lagos, Maiduguri, New York, or Australia; all you need is your internet to connect with us," Edozien explained. Candidates with BSc, BA, or HND qualifications are eligible, provided they have held a recognised leadership position and have at least one year of administrative experience in the health sector.
Affordability and Global Standards
The programme is affordable compared to foreign institutions, according to Edozien. UNIMED has experience in online education, having graduated three sets of master’s students through online teaching and conducted exams online. The MBA will be delivered by a multidisciplinary faculty, covering aspects of law, business law, and health law.
Curbing Brain Drain
Edozien linked the programme to efforts to curb brain drain, emphasising that good leadership attracts and retains health workers. "If you have good leadership, people want to join and get involved. If you have poor leadership, people get frustrated and leave," he said. He added that Nigerian health professionals excel abroad because of their training, and this locally delivered MBA will meet global standards. "The success of this programme is not just a success for UNIMED; it’s a success for Nigeria and our health system," he concluded.
