In a bold move to address the alarming departure of doctors and healthcare professionals, the Lagos state government announces plans to construct a medical university this year, aiming to graduate 1,500 doctors annually.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the inauguration of the Femi Gbajabiamila General Hospital in Surulere, revealed that the new university’s construction will commence and be completed within the year.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the medical university project would be a collaborative effort with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The decision to establish the university stems from recommendations by Federal authorities, urging the state to increase its production of medical personnel to counter the significant shortage caused by the mass emigration of healthcare practitioners.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Urges Patience as Lagos State Unveils Projects and Plans for Medical University
In a recent address, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has called on Nigerians to exercise patience, emphasizing that effective governance requires experience, pedigree, and time. Speaking at the inauguration of projects he facilitated in Lagos, Gbajabiamila also advised aspiring public servants to prioritize leaving a lasting legacy through evident improvements in the lives of the citizens.
The Chief of Staff expressed the importance of managing expectations, noting that the ability to accomplish tasks in government demands experience and time. He made these remarks while commissioning projects in his Surulere Federal Constituency, which included a state-of-the-art conference center at Lagos State University (LASU), an 80-bed General Hospital, a dualized road, and a community development center.
These projects were commissioned alongside Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Gbajabiamila expressed gratitude to the governor for his support, stating that collaboration with the state government was crucial for achieving the envisioned projects.
Highlighting his political trajectory spanning two decades in the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila said it was an honor to serve. He mentioned the completion of over 250 roads, 15 mini stadia, significant investments in education and healthcare, and the establishment of ICT centers in public schools during his tenure.
The upgraded General Hospital, now equipped with advanced facilities and specialist care units, represents a milestone in healthcare infrastructure. The hospital includes an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a dialysis center, radiology, a large laboratory, and more.
Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged Gbajabiamila’s contributions and thanked him for collaborating with the state government. He highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing medical infrastructure, unveiling plans to build a medical university in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Universities Commission (NUC). The university aims to graduate 1,500 doctors annually, addressing the shortage caused by the departure of medical professionals due to the “japa syndrome.”
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the state’s intervention is strategic, aiming to provide top-notch facilities and retain skilled medical personnel. The medical university is expected to be established before the end of the year, marking a significant step in strengthening Lagos State’s healthcare system.
