A Professor of Leadership and Inclusive Practices at the University of East London, Dr Olajumoke Okoya, has renovated the toilets and bathrooms at the Oshodi Annex of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, as part of efforts to improve patients’ welfare.

Okoya said the intervention was inspired by her personal experience of visiting a close family member who was admitted to the hospital for several years.

She said that regular visits to the facility exposed her to the living conditions of many patients and the challenges faced by healthcare workers.

According to her, although her relative received adequate care, more could be done to improve the environment in which patients can receive better treatment.

She said providing better facilities would contribute to a more positive healing process and help patients reintegrate into society more quickly.

The project, which began about four years ago, initially focused on providing meals and spending time with patients before expanding to improving infrastructure within the hospital.

Okoya said the first phase of the intervention involved renovating toilets and shower facilities and constructing a borehole to improve access to water.

She added that plans were underway to provide additional boreholes, replace mattresses and support hospital staff with resources needed to enhance patients’ care.

“This is an ongoing project. What we have done is only the beginning. There is still a lot more to be done and I hope more people will join in supporting vulnerable members of the society,” she said.

The academic also called on the government to increase investment in mental healthcare by upgrading facilities, providing modern equipment and strengthening support for healthcare workers.

She noted that many psychiatric patients face challenges after recovery, including the absence of homes or family support systems to help them rebuild their lives.

Head of Clinical Services at the hospital, Dr Oluwafunmilayo Akinola, who spoke on the intervention, described the project as significant and impactful.

Akinola said the partnership began after Okoya visited the hospital and expressed interest in supporting patients and improving conditions at the facility.

She added that the hospital remained open to partnerships with individuals and organisations willing to support mental healthcare and patient rehabilitation.