The Kwara State Government on Thursday signed an agreement to upgrade the Omu Aran General Hospital into a teaching hospital for medical students of Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
A statement by Saad Hamdalat, press secretary in the ministry of health, said the agreement is expected to enhance the training of quality health workers, particularly medical officers and specialists, and is part of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with private institutions in healthcare delivery.
Last year, the state government signed a similar agreement allowing Al-Hikmah University to use the newly upgraded Sobi Specialist Hospital in Ilorin as a teaching hospital to support its accreditation process for medical courses.
The signing ceremony with TAU attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers, top academics, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
Dignitaries present included health commissioner Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, commissioner for communications Bola Olukoju, chairman of Irepodun Local Government Yakub AbdulAzeez, executive secretary of Kwara State Hospital Management Board Dr Abdulraheem Malik and chief press secretary to the governor Rafiu Ajakaye. Others included All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Raheem Adedoyin, founder and chancellor of TAU Dr. Thomas Adewumi, TAU vice-chancellor Prof. Francisca Oladipo, and representatives from various universities including Al-Hikmah University and Ahman Pategi University.
Prominent royal fathers in attendance included the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismaila Yahya Alebiosu; the Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Raheem Oladele Olaoti; the Olupako of Share, Oba Olawale Haruna Ilufemiloye; and the Oloko of Oko-Irese, Oba Victor Olawuyi.
In her keynote address, Dr. El-Imam described the agreement as a milestone achievement in strengthening the health system in the state. She praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his dedication to improving healthcare, citing the recent recruitment of 1,005 health workers, ongoing implementation of the latest CONMESS salary structure, facility upgrades, and the creation of the state teaching hospital as notable achievements.
“To the glory of God, I have been privileged to work in America, United Kingdom, and Nigeria, and nowhere in the world have I seen a sector completely run by the government that succeeded. So, it takes a forward-thinking, visionary, and dynamic personality like Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to know the limit and seek the collaboration and support of the private sector. This is what is at play here today,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Kwara South region, Oba Ismaila praised the Governor for his commitment to development projects in the region. “We have never had it this good in our region, and I speak for our people. The governor has recently commissioned the Osi campus of KWASU, and there are many road projects in different parts of our region. This is another big one, and it shows that he is a governor for the whole of Kwara State. We are grateful to him,” he said.
He also commended Dr. Adewumi, the TAU founder, for his dedication to education and humanitarian services, describing him as a problem solver and a pride to the region.
The Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Olaoti, lauded the Governor’s leadership, emphasising the importance of continuity in governance. “This gesture shows that the government is bringing improved healthcare to Kwara South, which means bringing life to us,” he said.
Dr. Adewumi expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for his support of Thomas Adewumi University and the broader development of Kwara South.
He concluded by describing the governor’s tenure as a landmark period in the state’s history, praying for his continued success and good health.
