Nigeria's healthcare sector witnessed a landmark advancement on Monday, December 16, 2025, with the official opening of a world-class medical research and training hospital at Osun State University (UNIOSUN).
The ceremony was performed by former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, who hailed the project as a critical step towards curbing the nation's reliance on foreign medical services.
A Transformational Gift for Healthcare and Education
The new facility, named the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital, was donated by renowned philanthropists and business leaders, Mr. Modupe Folarin Alakija and Apostle Dr. Folorunso Alakija. The project was delivered through their company, Famfa Oil Limited.
Professor Osinbajo, in his address, emphasized how such private sector initiatives are vital for strengthening public institutions. He stated that sustainable national development hinges on robust universities supported by fully-equipped teaching hospitals.
"Investments like this are crucial for training our professionals, advancing medical research, improving health outcomes, and ultimately keeping valuable foreign exchange within Nigeria," the former Vice President remarked.
From Pediatric Concept to Comprehensive Research Hub
Apostle Dr. Folorunso Alakija, who also serves as the Chancellor of Osun State University, revealed the hospital's evolution. What began in November 2018 as a concept focused on pediatric care was expanded into a comprehensive institution.
This strategic shift was driven by the urgent need to tackle complex medical conditions that currently force many Nigerians to seek treatment abroad.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described the hospital as a transformational development. He stressed that the facility provides the necessary clinical depth to train high-quality medical professionals and conduct research focused on Africa's unique health challenges.
State-of-the-Art Facilities to Serve the Nation
The hospital is a massive, fully-equipped complex designed to be a national referral centre. Key features of the 250-bed specialist hospital include:
- 20 Clinical Departments and 5 non-Clinical Departments
- A Community Health Unit, Maternity, and Neonatal Medicare wing
- Advanced Research and Diagnostics Laboratories
- Four state-of-the-art operating theatres
- Cutting-edge diagnostic imaging (CT scan, MRI, Ultrasound, X-ray, and Radiotherapy)
- 16 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds
- Specialized Ophthalmology unit and a modern mortuary
In a statement, the management of Famfa Oil Limited positioned the hospital as a national model for effective private-public collaboration. It is envisioned as a practical solution for Nigerians seeking specialized care for conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and complex orthopedic cases without leaving the country.
The commissioning of this hospital marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's journey towards healthcare self-sufficiency, enhanced medical education, and groundbreaking local research.
