When the late Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala laid the foundation for the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, he envisioned a world-class institution that would not only serve as a centre for medical training but also cater to the healthcare needs of the people of Oyo State and beyond. It was a bold and visionary move during a time when LAUTECH was still under the joint ownership of Oyo and Osun States.
Though he worked tirelessly to actualize full ownership of the university for Oyo State, the goal remained elusive by the end of his tenure. Yet, his commitment did not go unnoticed. In January 2011, he announced the shipment of medical equipment from abroad for the hospital—a move that signaled his dedication to bringing the vision to life.
Today, that vision has not died. Governor Seyi Makinde, who shares Alao-Akala’s passion for educational and healthcare development, has carried the torch forward. One of Makinde’s most commendable achievements was the successful negotiation that returned sole ownership of LAUTECH to Oyo State. For this, he continues to earn the gratitude of many within and outside the academic community.
However, the Teaching Hospital, despite this progress, remains a project in need of urgent attention. While Governor Makinde has made remarkable strides, including staffing improvements and structural enhancements, there is still a long road ahead before the hospital can truly rival institutions like the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan.
Several critical challenges plague the facility. Key infrastructure, including some buildings, remains incomplete. Modern medical equipment is lacking, and existing ones are outdated or inadequate. Basic hospital functions are hampered by issues as glaring as the absence of a functional elevator—forcing staff to wheel patients to upper floors manually, often up to the fourth floor. Some ceilings in the wards are in a state of disrepair, giving sections of the hospital an unsafe and unwelcoming appearance. Inner roads within the hospital compound are also in dire need of rehabilitation.
In addition, there is a pressing need for the recruitment of more medical and non-medical personnel. The current workforce is overstretched, and the heavy workload risks compromising service quality and staff well-being.
To their credit, hospital staff have shown incredible dedication and professionalism in the face of these challenges. Their commitment to patient care remains commendable, a reflection of their belief in the mission of the institution.
Private individuals and philanthropic groups have also played a part in supporting the hospital’s growth. Their contributions, while invaluable, need to be bolstered by greater governmental and institutional support.
This is a collective responsibility. Concerned stakeholders, community groups, alumni, religious and social organisations, and well-meaning individuals are hereby urged to contribute to the advancement of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital—either through financial donations, the supply of modern medical equipment, or by adopting and completing specific infrastructure projects, just as some have commendably done in the past.
The LAUTECH Teaching Hospital stands as a symbol of a legacy that must not be allowed to fade. It was built on the foundation of a great vision—a dream that is still very much alive. Now is the time to act. For the sake of healthcare delivery in Oyo State and the future of medical education in Nigeria, we must rise to complete what was started
Remi Oladoye Writes from Grace House Papa Ajiboye, Ogbomoso
