The Security Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, has organized a one-day Security Summit on Monday, 22nd September, 2025 themed “Security Breach Wholesome in the Tertiary Teaching Hospitals.”
The event, held at the hospital’s Main Auditorium, was convened at the directive of management to engage stakeholders within the Ile-Ife community on ways to address security challenges affecting the hospital and its environs.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, expressed gratitude to participants and highlighted some of the security challenges the hospital has faced since the beginning of his tenure. He stressed the importance of community interaction in preventing crises before they escalate. Prof. Okeniyi therefore called for stronger collaboration between security personnel and community members to ensure the safety of staff, patients, and visitors. He also urged religious leaders being close to the people, to support mediation efforts during crises.
Delivering the first lecture on “Security Safety,” Mr. Alex Aduku, a Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), outlined the challenges posed by motorists, motorcyclists, ambulance drivers, and other road users within the hospital premises. He recommended measures such as investment in affordable security technologies, improved training for ambulance drivers, regular capacity-building for internal security personnel and staff, as well as stronger collaboration with external security agencies for rapid response. He emphasized that security is everyone’s responsibility, noting that “a secured hospital is one that can save lives without interruption. Hospital security does not begin at the gate; it begins on the road, in our communities, and in our daily choices.”
The second lecture, delivered by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Temitope Afe on behalf of the Area Commander, Moore A Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sola Ogunwale, focused on “Security Breach Wholesome in the Tertiary Teaching Hospitals.” CSP Afe identified major security threats facing tertiary institutions, including cyberattacks, physical assaults on staff and patients, and other breaches that disrupt care, compromise patient confidentiality, and erode public trust. He explained the role of law enforcement agencies in investigating such breaches and prosecuting offenders. He called for synergy among security agencies to strengthen proactive and collaborative responses that will safeguard lives and support the hospital’s operations.
The final lecture, presented by the Head of the Servicom Unit, Mrs. Adeyinka Obisanya, dwelt on “The Importance of Stakeholder Engagement in Effective Healthcare Delivery.” She highlighted the roles of stakeholders in improving service quality and emphasized that maintaining strong relationships with them is crucial to providing patients with effective and sustainable healthcare services.
The summit concluded with closing remarks by the hospital’s Chief Security Officer, Mr. Moses Oladosu, thanked all participants and gave out contacts to call when in distress distress situation within the hospital. He appealed to religious leaders to help educate and guide members of the community during crises to prevent conflicts from escalating.
