In a significant move set to redefine the landscape of healthcare delivery and medical education in Kwara South, Thomas Adewumi University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kwara State Government to upgrade and utilize the Omu-Aran General Hospital as its official teaching hospital.
The historic agreement was formalized at the State Ministry of Health, Ilorin, with top dignitaries from the state’s health and education sectors, as well as traditional rulers from Kwara South, in attendance.
The initiative will see the transformation of the existing Omu-Aran General Hospital—formerly a secondary healthcare center—into a tertiary health facility. This development will serve the dual purpose of providing advanced healthcare services to residents of the region and offering a practical training ground for medical students of TAU.
In her keynote address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, hailed the agreement as a milestone in the state’s healthcare history, describing it as the first of its kind in Kwara South.
“Today marks another historic milestone under the leadership of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. This partnership is not just symbolic,but transformational,” she said. “It speaks volumes about the governor’s commitment to providing quality healthcare services and recognizing the value of strategic collaborations.”
She commended the Chancellor and Founder of TAU, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Adewumi, for his unwavering commitment to the development of the region, saying:“
Dr. Adewumi has shown great passion for community advancement through education and now, healthcare. We are proud to work with him.”
Speaking at the event, the Chancellor expressed profound gratitude to the state government and lauded the Governor’s leadership catalyzing such a transformative partnership:
“This is not just about TAU or myself; this is about the people of Kwara South. Converting Omu-Aran General Hospital into a tertiary teaching hospital will save lives and enhance access to quality medical care. We are grateful to the state government, especially our governor, for making this possible.”
Dr. Adewumi emphasized that the collaboration would foster both academic excellence and social impact:
“This facility will produce world-class healthcare professionals and provide solutions to emergency healthcare challenges in the region.”
Traditional rulers in attendance also lent their voices to the historic occasion. The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his developmental strides and foresight:
“We are truly joyful today. This partnership is a gift to all of Kwara South. It will ease the burden of traveling long distances for critical healthcare. We commend the governor and Dr. Adewumi for this laudable effort and look forward to the economic and social benefits this transformation will bring.”
Also present at the event were high-profile dignitaries including the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju; Chairman, Irepodun Local Government, Hon. Yakub AbdulAzeez; Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik; and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.
Other notable attendees included former Commissioner of Communications, Hon. Raheem Adedoyin; Vice Chancellors of Al-Hikmah and Ahman Pategi Universities, and traditional rulers including the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Raheem Oladele Adeoti; the Olupako of Share, Oba Olawale Haruna Ilufemiloye; and the Oloko of Oko-Irese, Oba Victor Olawuyi.
The partnership is expected to accelerate the readiness of TAU’s medical faculty and solidify Kwara South’s position as an emerging hub for tertiary healthcare services in Nigeria.
