The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, recently played host to a delegation from the West African College of Physicians (WACP) for a week-long accreditation exercise focused on its Department of Paediatrics.
The evaluation, which commenced on Tuesday, June 24, encompassed visits to both the Ife Hospital Unit and the Wesley Guild Hospital Unit. The exercise aimed to assess the department’s compliance with the College’s standards and its readiness for continued postgraduate training in paediatrics.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Medical Director, Professor John Okeniyi, commended the WACP’s dedication to upholding quality healthcare and academic excellence. He pledged the institution’s openness to objective assessments and constructive feedback, in line with international best practices.
Professor Okeniyi provided an overview of the progress recorded under his administration since 2023, highlighting efforts to enhance institutional growth and service delivery. He acknowledged persisting challenges, including inadequate medical equipment, under-resourced medical library, and manpower shortages intensified by the ongoing brain drain phenomenon, commonly referred to as the “Japa” syndrome. Despite these constraints, he affirmed that the hospital management is actively seeking sustainable solutions and views the accreditation as a potential catalyst for improved quality of service.
Presenting a preliminary report, the team leader, Professor Fidelis Njokanma, expressed satisfaction with the department’s current standing, while identifying areas in need of further development. He praised the leadership and staff for their commitment to maintaining OAUTHC’s legacy and underscored the importance of bridging infrastructural disparities between the two hospital units, particularly advocating for upgrades at the Wesley Guild Hospital.
Among the key recommendations put forward by the WACP team were the establishment of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a pulmonology laboratory, recruitment of additional resident doctors, and enhanced call-room facilities.
In response, Prof. Okeniyi reaffirmed the hospital’s resolve to address the identified gaps, assuring the delegation of ongoing efforts to implement the recommendations and drive lasting improvements.
Other members of the accreditation team included Professors Ikeoluwa Lagunju, Chris Yilgwan, Brown Biobele, and Abdulwahab Johnson.
