The Kwara State Government has signed an agreement to upgrade the Omu Aran General Hospital into a teaching hospital for medical students of Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko, in Irepodun Local Government Area.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Thursday, marks another step in the state’s efforts to enhance healthcare delivery through partnerships with private institutions. The initiative aims to train more medical professionals, particularly doctors and specialists, to strengthen the state’s health sector.
The development follows a similar agreement last year that allowed Al-Hikmah University to use the newly upgraded Sobi Specialist Hospital in Ilorin as a teaching hospital for its medical courses.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior government officials, academics, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders. Among those present were Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam; Commissioner for Communications, Hon Bola Olukoju; Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye. The event also had in attendance the Founder and Chancellor of TAU, Dr Thomas Adewumi; the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Francisca Oladipo; and other university heads, including representatives from Al-Hikmah University and Ahman Pategi University.
Traditional rulers, including the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismaila Yahya Alebiosu; the Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Raheem Oladele Olaoti; and the Oloko of Oko-Irese, Oba Victor Olawuyi, were also present.
Speaking at the event, Dr El-Imam hailed the partnership as a significant milestone in the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare system. She praised the Governor’s proactive leadership, citing his recent recruitment of over 1,000 health workers, ongoing facility upgrades, and the establishment of a state teaching hospital as key achievements.
Royal fathers in attendance also lauded the initiative, describing it as a historic moment for Kwara South. The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, speaking on behalf of the region’s traditional rulers, expressed gratitude to the Governor for prioritising development in the area.
Dr Adewumi, the Chancellor of TAU, also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his fairness and commitment to equitable development across the state.
The transformation of Omu Aran General Hospital into a teaching hospital is expected to improve medical education and healthcare delivery in the region, offering better training opportunities for aspiring medical professionals while expanding access to quality healthcare for residents.
