Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has officially commissioned the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital in Osogbo, Osun State, yesterday.
This state-of-the-art facility was built and donated to Osun State University (UNIOSUN) by renowned businesswoman and philanthropist, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija.
During the commissioning ceremony, Osinbajo noted that the hospital will play a crucial role in bridging theoretical education with practical application. He stated that it has the potential to evolve into a leading regional reference center for medical care across the African continent, particularly at a time when many patients seek advanced treatment abroad.
“This institution stands before us as a monument to life, a sanctuary of healing and a forge for the next generation of African medical excellence,” Osinbajo said. He emphasized that the hospital is not just about treating illnesses but also about generating knowledge and honing essential skills for medical professionals.
He described the hospital as a home for learning and discovery, where students will not only learn to treat diseases but also ask relevant questions and build ethical research practices. “This hospital strengthens the bridge between theory and practice, education and service,” he added.
Osinbajo praised the Alakija family for their philanthropic efforts, highlighting that their donation signifies a profound legacy defined not just in infrastructure, but in the lives saved and futures transformed. He emphasized the transformative power of private philanthropy in shaping public destiny.
In her address, Folorunso Alakija, who also serves as the chancellor of UNIOSUN, stated that the motivation behind building the hospital was to create a sustainable source of funding for the university, addressing the broader challenges of the nation’s healthcare system, such as brain drain and inadequate medical infrastructure.
“This hospital stands as a beacon of hope and a bold step toward transforming healthcare in Osun State, throughout Nigeria, and across Africa,” Alakija stated. She called for more partnerships to expand the hospital’s vision.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, expressed his admiration for the facility, stating, “This is great beyond description; huge beyond valuation.” He acknowledged the ongoing challenges governments face in effectively funding education and healthcare.
The Vice Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Professor Clement Adeboye, provided insights into the hospital’s facilities, which include 250 admission beds, 20 clinical departments, advanced diagnostic labs, state-of-the-art operating theatres, and specialized units for neonatal care and dialysis.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Uniosun, Prof. Wale Oladipo, disclosed that the council has appointed Professor of Medicine from the University, Christopher Olutayo Alebiosu, as pioneer Medical Research and Training Director (in acting capacity) with effect from Monday, 17th November, 2025.
“I must openly confirm that this hospital will be run on bill basis. There will therefore be no free treatments. Even when we say some treatments are free, there must be someone somewhere who must be paying for them.
“It is on this note that lam calling on Osun State Government and the Government of the Federation to consider establishing a foundation into which they will put money so that difficult health care cases that may be referred to this Hospital will not suffer any setback as they could be funded from the accruals from such foundation(s),” Oladipo said.
Former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola was present as the founder while former governor Rauf Aregbesola was present as the governor who appointed Alakija.