The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) is celebrating a transformative year under the exceptional leadership of its Chief Medical Director, Prof. John Okeniyi.
Assumed during a period of immense turbulence marked by industrial unrest and complex bureaucracy, Prof. Okeniyi’s administration has, in just 12 months, steered the hospital through significant reform and unprecedented progress.
When Prof. Okeniyi stepped into the role, he was immediately faced with the pressing task of restoring stability to the hospital.
He encountered challenges ranging from insubordination to unethical practices and overstaffing issues.
However, his leadership was characterized by an unyielding commitment to OAUTHC’s vision of excellence in healthcare service delivery, training, and research.
The CMD swiftly addressed these problems, laying the foundation for future success.
One of his early priorities was employment reform, which saw the successful execution of a much-needed 2024 promotion exercise.
This promotion process tackled career stagnation and created a sense of renewed hope for staff who had long-awaited advancement.
To further professionalize the workforce, Prof. Okeniyi introduced merit-based recruitment, ensuring that new appointments were based on skill and qualifications.
His administration also embarked on a rigorous 2024 Manpower Defense exercise, addressing prior illegal recruitment that had burdened the hospital’s workforce.
Leadership reforms were also a central focus. Recognizing the need for strong and capable leaders, Prof. Okeniyi’s administration sought and obtained the secondment of an Acting Director in early January 2024.
By July of the same year, the hospital had begun an open and competitive process for key leadership roles.
Eight Physicians-in-Charge (PIC) were appointed across various units, alongside Unit Administrators (UA), and new Directors, including the Director of Nursing Services and the Director of Pharmacy.
These appointments created a robust leadership structure that continues to support OAUTHC’s growth.
In the realm of clinical practice, Prof. Okeniyi’s leadership has ushered in groundbreaking advancements.
The hospital achieved a historic milestone with the first successful endoscopic avulsion of a posterior urethral valve, and later, a laparoscopy nephrectomy.
The institution also solidified its status as a leader in paediatric open-heart surgery, performing 33 cases so far this year.
The Dame Olayinka Obaleye Obstetric Fistulae Centre at Wesley Guild Hospital continues to make significant contributions to women’s health, completing a remarkable 137 obstetric fistula repairs under Prof. Okeniyi’s watch.
Prof. Okeniyi’s administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to under-served communities through medical missions and collaborations.
Partnering with organizations such as the House of Oduduwa and the Pro-International (RCCG) Ifewara, these missions have delivered essential healthcare to communities in need.
The FIGO-OAUTHC Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Mission stands as a shining example of these efforts, enhancing surgical services for women affected by VVF.
Additionally, the CMD has fostered partnerships with universities, including the University of Ilesa, Elizade University, and Redeemer’s University, strengthening both educational and healthcare services in the region.
In infrastructural development, Prof. Okeniyi has overseen numerous ongoing projects that are transforming the hospital’s physical landscape.
Among the highlights is the completion of the Sarumi Male and Female Surgical Wards at the Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH) unit, enhancing the hospital’s capacity to deliver surgical care.
New projects, such as the construction of the Theatre Complex, Amenity Ward both at WGH, Ilesa, Finance and Accounts Building, and the Urology Building, both at the Ife Hospital Unit, (IHU), are all underway. In addition, the administration has established a new Postgraduate Chemistry Laboratory at WGH, Ilesa to support advanced research and training in healthcare sciences.
Environmental initiatives have not been left behind, with over 1,000 tree seedlings being planted to enhance the hospital’s surroundings.
The administration has also invested in reticulating water supplies to offices and wards from existing wells and boreholes, improving water availability. Oxygen production, vital for many of the hospital’s critical care services, has been restored to full capacity, with 115 oxygen outlets installed across wards. New generators and solar power systems have been procured to ensure a reliable power supply for the hospital.
Under Prof. Okeniyi’s leadership, administrative reforms have become a hallmark of transparency and accountability.
His administration organized seminars on Public Service Rules and Work Ethics, fostering a culture of professionalism among the staff. Allegations of unlawful recruitment were transparently addressed, and a one-day workshop was held for confidential secretaries, while orientation programs were organized for newly recruited interns and nurses.
To further strengthen the hospital’s administrative functions, departments such as SERVICOM, NHIA, and Pension and Retirement Services were reinvigorated, enhancing both service delivery and compliance.
Financial reforms have been equally commendable. The CMD successfully merged and consolidated various revolving funds, including the Drug Revolving Fund, which now operates seamlessly.
OAUTHC is no longer indebted to its drug suppliers, a significant achievement for the institution. Additionally, a Nutritional Revolving Fund was created, ensuring the consistent provision of meals for patients, despite ongoing efforts to clear a N35 million backlog in non-patient feeding.
As with any institution undergoing significant transformation, challenges remain. Prof. Okeniyi has acknowledged ongoing issues such as erratic power supply, the need for alternative energy sources, and a shortage of critical clinical staff.
Despite these hurdles, his administration remains focused on continuous improvement, with plans to expand the hospital’s electronic medical recording system, upgrade infrastructure, and improve revenue collection strategies.
The future looks bright for OAUTHC under Prof. Okeniyi’s leadership. As the institution moves forward, the CMD’s dedication to excellence, transparency, and innovation will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, transforming OAUTHC into a center of excellence in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
In his words of gratitude, Prof. Okeniyi thanked the hospital’s members of staff, union leaders, and top management for their unwavering support. He also extended his appreciation to community leaders, the Federal Ministry of Health, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their continued backing.
As OAUTHC looks ahead, Prof. John Okeniyi’s first year as CMD will be remembered as a turning point, marking the beginning of a new era of growth, excellence, and service to the community.
