Former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, on Monday commissioned the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital at Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, describing the facility as a powerful example of how private sector leadership can strengthen public institutions and national development.

The state-of-the-art hospital, donated by Mr Modupe Folarin Alakija and Apostle Dr Folorunso Alakija and executed by Famfa Oil Limited, represents a major boost to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and medical education landscape.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held on the university campus, Osinbajo commended the donors and Famfa Oil for investing in a project that combines medical training, research and specialised healthcare delivery. He said sustainable national development is built on strong universities and well-equipped teaching hospitals capable of producing skilled professionals, advancing research and improving health outcomes.

According to him, partnerships between the private sector and public institutions are essential for building resilient systems, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare and education.

The event attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers, members of the university’s governing council, and the management of Famfa Oil Limited, underscoring broad institutional support for private sector-driven investment in public infrastructure.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, described the hospital as a transformational intervention for the institution and Osun State. He said the facility would provide the clinical depth required to strengthen the College of Health Sciences, enhance medical training and research, and expand access to specialist healthcare services.

Professor Adebooye expressed the university’s deep appreciation to the Alakijas and Famfa Oil Limited, describing the donation as an enduring legacy that would benefit generations of students, researchers and patients.

Speaking as co-donor and Chancellor of Osun State University, Apostle Dr Folorunso Alakija said the commissioning marked the fulfilment of a vision conceived more than seven years ago. She recalled that the project began with a turning-of-the-sod ceremony in November 2018 as a paediatric hospital, before evolving into a full medical research and training hospital to meet the growing needs of the university and the nation.

She noted that the 250-bed facility was designed to address gaps in medical manpower development, research capacity and access to specialised healthcare, while also contributing to efforts to reduce medical tourism.

The hospital houses 20 clinical departments and five non-clinical departments, alongside modern research laboratories, advanced diagnostic and imaging facilities, multiple operating theatres, intensive care units, maternity and neonatal services, and other specialised units built to international standards.

Apostle Alakija acknowledged the support of successive Osun State administrations, past and present university leadership, and the Ataoja of Osogbo land, calling for continued collaboration to provide complementary infrastructure such as staff accommodation, emergency transport systems and future expansion.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Wale Oladipo, as well as representatives of the Osun State Government, all of whom highlighted the hospital’s strategic importance to the university and the state.

The Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing medical education, research and healthcare delivery at Osun State University, while serving as a model for effective private sector participation in public development initiatives.