As part of activities marking its 50th anniversary, the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) has taken a proactive step toward shaping the future of the nation’s healthcare system by organizing a career talk for secondary school students in Ile-Ife.
The event, held on Wednesday, 12th November 2025, at the Clinical Skills Centre, OAUTHC, brought together students from various secondary schools to learn, interact, and gain firsthand insight into different healthcare professions. The programme was part of the hospital’s golden jubilee celebration themed “Honouring the Past, Engaging the Present, Shaping the Future.”
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the OAUTHC @50 Anniversary Committee, Prof. Maxellina Ijadunola, said the initiative was designed as part of the institution’s effort to give back to society, particularly the host community. She noted that as OAUTHC celebrates five decades of excellence, it is imperative to invest in the next generation by guiding young minds toward purposeful and rewarding career choices in the health sector.
Representing the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Professor John Okeniyi, the Physician-in-Charge, Phase 1, Dr. Akinjide Ogundokun, commended the committee for organizing the event, describing it as a laudable platform to inspire and nurture the future of the country’s healthcare system. He encouraged the students to remain focused, disciplined, and passionate about their studies, stressing that they represent the nation’s hope for a healthier future.
The career talk featured enlightening presentations from seasoned professionals across various medical and allied health fields. Students listened attentively as Dr. Akinjide Ogundokun spoke on Medicine, Dr. Adedotun Adewale explored Dentistry, and Mrs. Olubunmi Akinola highlighted the vital role of Nursing Services. Dr. Oluwafemi Ilesanmi shed light on Physiotherapy, Mrs. Patricia Umeaku discussed Dietetics, Mr. Bassey Okon shared insights on Radiography, Mr. Ojo Israel on Medical Laboratory Science, Pharm. Ademola Omilakin on Pharmacy, Miss Kate Asemota on Health Information Management, and Mr. Temitope Famubode on Environmental Health.
The interactive sessions offered students the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse roles within the healthcare sector. Many participants expressed renewed enthusiasm about pursuing careers in medicine and related fields after the event.
The programme concluded on a celebratory note with the presentation of cash and gift prizes to all participating schools in recognition of their enthusiasm and participation.
In his closing remarks, the Vice-Chairperson of the OAUTHC @50 Anniversary Committee, Prof. Oluyomi Okunola, expressed profound appreciation to all speakers, students, teachers, and media representatives who contributed to the success of the event. He described the career talk as “impactful, inspiring, and memorable,” adding that it perfectly embodies the spirit of the anniversary theme “Honouring the Past, Engaging the Present, Shaping the Future.”
