The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, has officially flagged off its 50th anniversary celebrations. The event was marked with the unveiling of the official 50th anniversary logo and banner at the Administrative Headquarters, followed by a fireworks display and a press briefing at the Mini Auditorium.
In his welcome address, Prof. Oluyomi Okunola, Co-Chair of the Anniversary Planning Committee, expressed appreciation to the hospital’s management and described the golden jubilee as a symbolic celebration of OAUTHC’s enduring commitment to healthcare under the theme: “Honouring the Past, Engaging the Present, Shaping the Future.”
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Medical Director, Prof. John Okeniyi highlighted the anniversary as a convergence of the institution’s rich history, current achievements, and future aspirations. He noted OAUTHC’s reputation for providing some of Nigeria’s most affordable and compassionate healthcare services, ranging from primary to tertiary care, while upholding the revered Ife philosophy.
Prof. Okeniyi emphasised the hospital’s broad reach, with five functional units across the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District, attracting patients nationally and internationally. He spotlighted the Imesi-Ile unit, historically important as the site of Nigeria’s first measles vaccination rollout, a medical milestone that continues to save lives.
He also recounted the legacy of Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, established over 112 years ago, lauding the Ijesa community for its critical support through infrastructure funding and medical equipment donations. This support has strengthened the hospital’s capacity to manage terminal illnesses.
Among OAUTHC’s notable achievements is establishing Nigeria’s largest Geriatric Centre. Second in the nation but unmatched in scope, providing specialised elderly care including dental, physiotherapy, eye, and general medical services. The Ijesa people funded the Centre at a cost exceeding ₦3 billion.
The Ife Hospital Unit has expanded from its initial Phase One to Phase Four, now offering a broader range of specialised services. The Pediatric Department stands out for its routine open-heart surgeries for children with congenital heart diseases. OAUTHC also pioneered the first successful separation of conjoined twins in Nigeria and continues to excel in both pediatric and adult cardiovascular surgeries.
Other cutting-edge services include renal transplantation, tissue matching (OAUTHC remains the only public facility offering this in Nigeria), minimal access and gynaecological surgeries, pediatric endoscopic procedures, liver transplant, and ERCP procedures.
Further distinctions include a high-performing Fistula Centre, advanced ENT services, a top-tier virology lab in collaboration with IHVN, and oncology services with access to free medications, particularly for leukaemia patients. OAUTHC also boasts the largest pediatric hospital and hospital pharmacy in Nigeria, alongside state-of-the-art laboratory services.
On the academic front, the hospital continues to train healthcare professionals through its College of Nursing Sciences, School of Health Information Management, and Community Health Officers’ Programme.
Prof. Okeniyi credited these achievements to the dedication of the staff, support from donors, the government, and the strategic leadership of the institution. He called on patriotic Nigerians and partners to sustain their support as the hospital looks ahead.
Rounding off the ceremony, Prof. Macellina Ijaduola, Co-Chair of the Planning Committee, announced that the anniversary celebrations would span one year, culminating in a week-long grand finale from Monday, October 27 to Monday, November 2, 2025. The events will highlight key aspects of OAUTHC’s legacy, achievements, and future vision.
