A consultant neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Temitope Farombi, has warned that by 2030, Nigerians are projected to experience three times the current burden of brain disorders.
Farombi revealed that one in four people in Nigeria has hypertension, and one in six people has diabetes, warning that in the next five years, Nigeria will experience three times the number of neurological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, headache, insomnia, depression, and mental health diseases.
The medical practitioner, who holds a PhD in Global Health from the University of West London, disclosed this during the commissioning of her neuro-critical and neuro-rehabilitation service hospital in Ibadan, called the Brain Centre.
The Brain Centre founder described the commissioning as a transformative moment in the history of healthcare in Nigeria, saying the facility stands as a beacon of hope, innovation, and excellence, committed to improving the lives of patients with neurological disorders.
She stated that the Centre is more than a hospital; it is a hub for cutting-edge treatments, compassionate care, impactful research, and a place where the lives of patients and their families will be transformed, hope restored, and where innovation will lead the way in tackling challenges of brain health.
Farombi said, “I have been trained abroad. So, I know we have the talent. We need government support to enact policies that will retain our best hands. I decided to stay back to provide community support, having been trained by the government for over 20 years. This is us giving back to society and to the government.
“The Centre stands as a beacon of hope, innovation, and excellence, committed to improving the lives of patients with neurological disorders. In Nigeria today, one in four persons has hypertension, and also one in six persons has diabetes. These are major non-communicable diseases that are driving neurological conditions in Nigeria.
“We are here to support everyone with neurological disorders to recover and be reintegrated into society. By 2030, Nigeria will experience three times the neurological conditions we currently have, like epilepsy, stroke, headache, insomnia, depression, and mental health diseases.”
Prominent Nigerians graced the occasion. Among them were the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Prof. Olatunde Farombi; the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori; the lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Chief Sharafadeen Alli; Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Abiodun Olatunji; Rev. Segun Adebowale of Grace and Mercy Ministries; Prof. Mojisola Atalabi of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI); Mr. Bisi Olonimoyo from Lagos; Mr. Segun Farombi from Lagos; Mr. and Mrs. Funmilola Alalibo.
Others present were Mrs. Dupe Alonge from Ondo, Mrs. Edile Olonimoyo from London, Dr. Tunde Ajala from UI, Dr. Adenike Omotosho from London, Dr. Wuraola Akande of the Pharmacy Department at UI, Mr. and Mrs. Bukola Olonimoyo from Lagos, Dr. Olufisayo Elugbadebo from UCH, communication experts Mrs. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, and others.
In her keynote address, the NACA DG, Dr. Temitope Ilori, described the hospital as a game-changer, saying it would bridge a critical gap in Nigeria’s healthcare system by addressing neurological emergencies and supporting the long-term recovery of patients with complex neurological conditions.
According to the former Health Commissioner in Osun State, the world-class facility is capable of addressing brain health for all Nigerians, particularly Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV). She said the hospital would transform lives and elevate the standard of healthcare in Nigeria.
“The Brain Centre symbolises hope for a future where specialised care is accessible to all. It reflects our shared commitment to building a healthcare system that prioritises every aspect of health, including the often-overlooked domain of brain health.
“For PLHIV, the Brain Centre represents a future where no one is left behind, where every individual can live a life of dignity and purpose, regardless of the challenges they face,” the DG said.
Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who was the chairman on the occasion, was represented by Dr. Saka Adewunmi.
Alli said the Centre was a testament to collective efforts to bring world-class healthcare services to Ibadan and urged that it serve as a model for innovative healthcare solutions in Nigeria and beyond.
The senator pledged continued legislative efforts toward the improvement of the nation’s healthcare and governance.
In their goodwill messages, Mr. Abiodun Olatunji (SAN) and Prof. Mojisola Atalabi, who lamented dilapidated healthcare delivery, charged the National Assembly to vote sufficient funding for the nation’s health sector, particularly the University College Hospital, for better dispensary services.
