The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, on May 13, 2025, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Roche Products Limited, a renowned global pharmaceutical and medical technology company, to serve as the hub centre for subsidized cancer treatment in South-Western Nigeria.
Speaking at the formal unveiling of the partnership, Roche Regional Manager for Nigeria, Liberia and The Gambia, Mrs. Adenike Dosumu, disclosed that OAUTHC boasts the largest and most advanced Immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing machine in West Africa. She noted that this cutting-edge facility was a key reason Roche chose to collaborate with the institution, positioning OAUTHC as a central hub for cancer diagnosis in the region.
Mrs. Dosumu emphasized that the partnership aims to reduce the financial burden of cancer care in Africa, particularly for patients in South-Western Nigeria. According to her, the collaboration is designed to benefit both parties, as OAUTHC strengthens its position as a leading referral centre for oncology services in the region.
In his remarks, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC), Prof. Akinwumi Komolafe, highlighted OAUTHC’s long-standing commitment to patient-centred care. He noted that the hospital has, over the years, partnered with organisations such as the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) and the Federal Ministry of Health to enhance cancer care delivery. Prof. Komolafe expressed optimism that the new partnership with Roche would further improve service delivery and ease the burden on patients, while calling for more collaborations to sustain these efforts.
Similarly, the Director of Administration, Dr. Ayodeji Bobade, described the partnership as a mutually beneficial venture, stressing that beyond financial gains, it would have a positive societal impact by increasing access to affordable cancer treatment.
Also speaking at the event, the Physician-in-Charge, Phase II, OAUTHC, and a Consultant General Surgeon, Dr. Olalekan Olasehinde, expressed his satisfaction with the development, noting that such milestones are as a result of the hospital’s continuous progress and the unwavering support from its management. He described the partnership as a dream come true, foreseen due to the hospital’s consistent advancements in cancer care.
The Head of Department, Morbid Anatomy and Forensic Medicine, Dr. Oluwatosin Omoyiola, added that the success of the collaboration would depend on the commitment of both Roche and OAUTHC to play their respective roles effectively. She expressed confidence in the viability and sustainability of the partnership, projecting significant improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes in the South-West region.
This landmark partnership is expected to revolutionize oncology care in Nigeria, making world-class diagnostic and treatment services more accessible and affordable to patients.
