The management of Al-Hikmah University and the Kwara State Government have formalized a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to utilise Sobi Specialist Hospital in Ilorin as the university’s teaching hospital until its ongoing infrastructure projects are completed.
The MoU was signed by Al-Hikmah’s registrar, Dr. Kazeem Oladimeji, and the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, during a ceremony held last Thursday at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of the State Ministry of Health.
Chief AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, the founder of Al-Hikmah University, praised the Kwara State Government for its understanding and support. The state government expressed optimism that this partnership would enhance public-private collaboration in advancing healthcare and tertiary education within the state.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Sikiru Nurudeen, explained that the MoU is part of the requirements set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to establish a medical school. He noted the importance of human resources and infrastructure in gaining NUC approval.
Nurudeen noted that while the university’s infrastructure is under construction, the agreement with the state government for the use of Sobi General Hospital is a satisfactory arrangement for both parties. He added that the NUC team is expected to visit next month to assess the university’s readiness.
“Our own infrastructure is under construction right behind you, gentlemen of the press. In the meantime, we reached out to the state government and signed an MoU that is satisfactory to both parties,” Nurudeen said. “NUC, as a regulatory agency, will assess our readiness, which includes human resources and infrastructure. We are pleased to note that the governor has graciously granted us the use of Sobi General Hospital as our university teaching hospital pending the completion of our own facility.”
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He said that the existing hospital is well-equipped to meet NUC standards for the medical program and expressed confidence that the partnership would improve health outcomes in the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. El-Imam, characterised the signing ceremony as a significant moment for the state, highlighting the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration to quality healthcare and sustainable education.
Dr. El-Imam pointed out that the partnership effectively bridges the gap between the public and private sectors, stressing the government’s prioritization of the state’s development.
“Today is an auspicious day for us—a convergence of town and gown,” she said. “The state, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is committed to providing quality healthcare while also fostering sustainable, high-quality education. This MoU reflects our dedication to the holistic development of Kwara State.”
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Arinde, underscored the importance of education in fostering technological advancement and skill acquisition, asserting that this collaboration will produce highly skilled healthcare professionals to meet the growing demand in Kwara State.
