In furtherance of strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and academic–government collaboration, the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI), Professor T. O. Ogundiran, FAS, and some members of his management team, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi.
The team were received at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Health at the State Secretariat in Ibadan. The meeting underscored COMUI’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial collaborations that advance healthcare service delivery, training, and research within Oyo State and
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. A.K. Ayinde who welcomed the guests on behalf of the ministry, emphasized the importance of sustained partnership among the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI), University College Hospital (UCH), and the Oyo State Ministry of Health. He noted that such collaborations are vital to strengthening research, policy formulation, and training, particularly as the state intensifies efforts to improve primary healthcare services and ensure the delivery of quality health services to communities across Oyo State and Nigeria.
In his remarks, Professor Ogundiran congratulated Oyo State on its 50th anniversary. He also specially congratulated Dr. Ajetunmobi, as well as the distinguished directors and members of her cabinet who are alumni of the University of Ibadan, on the progress recorded since their assumption of office.
The Provost reiterated that healthcare delivery is a collective responsibility, highlighting CoMUI's tripod mandate: teaching and training to produce skilled health manpower, research, and community service. He emphasized the significant role research has played in the University of Ibadan’s ranking and global reputation. He affirmed that COMUI has produced outstanding professionals who have excelled globally and contributed immensely to the advancement of medicine.
He emphasized the need for greater synergy among stakeholders to fully harness the benefits of collaboration, observing that while progress has been made, much remains to be done in advancing healthcare. He assured the Ministry of his team’s readiness to engage and collaborate, noting that multidisciplinary partnerships often yield robust research outcomes and inform sound public policy.
In her response, the Health Commissioner, Dr. Ajetumobi thanked the Provost and his management team for the visit and warmly acknowledged the presence of some of her former teachers from medical school. She observed that the long-held perception that the University College Hospital (UCH) and the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI), operate in isolation from other institutions is gradually changing. She reassured the delegation that the Oyo State Ministry of Health, through its agencies and departments, remains open to collaboration within its capacity, particularly in the areas of research, manpower development, and related initiatives.
Taking the audience down memory lane, Professor B. M. Kolude, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, recalled that the College of Medicine began in Oyo State long before its formal establishment. He added that the University College Hospital (UCH) also did not start as a standalone institution, noting that both institutions evolved through shared experiences and partnerships. He further explained that the contents of many of the textbooks used in the early years were informed by the practices of medical professionals from Adeoyo Hospital, Ibadan. He stressed that this shared history presents an opportunity to “get things right,” adding that meaningful collaboration should drive progress and institutional evolution. He expressed the view that the establishment of a medical school in Ibadan, Oyo State is not out of place. He concluded by commending the Provost for his openness to partnership.
Professor Oyeronke Odunola, Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health for its long-standing collaboration in granting ethical approvals to University of Ibadan researchers. She reiterated that this has made research activities possible.
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of CoMUI , Mr. A. E. Odedele, Deputy Registrar and Secretary to the College, joined other dignitaries in congratulating Oyo State on its 50th anniversary. He thanked the Commissioner and her team for the warm reception and for reassuring the COMUI of their continued support.
As a token of goodwill, the Secretary to the College presented COMUI souvenirs to Dr. Ajetunmobi.
Other dignitaries at the event included distinguished directors and members of the Commissioner’s cabinet;Distinguished directors and members of the Commissioner's cabinet included: Dr. I. A. Fasasi, Director of Tertiary Healthcare Services; Dr. O. A. Aremu, Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics; Dr. O. A. Babatunde, Director of Public Health; Pharmacist M. A. Adewole, Director of Pharmacitical Services; Mrs. Beatrice A. Adeoye, Director of Nursing Services; Dr. O. J. Babalola, Director Secondary Healthcare and Training; Mr. J. A. Akanbi, Director of Administration and Supplies; Mrs. Afusat A. Akande, Director of Food, Water and Laboratory Services; and Mr. G. A. Adeyemi, Director of Finance and Accounts.
Others on the Provost's entourage were Professor M. D. Dairo, Dean, Faculty of Public Health, COMUI; Professor Prisca Adejumo, Dean, Faculty of Nursing, represented by Professor Beatrice M. Ohaeri; Dean of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences,Professor Taiwo R. Kotila; Dr. Grace Ajuwon, Medical Librarian; Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare, Controller, Biomedical Communication Centre (BCC); and Mrs. Funmilola Enobabor, Principal Assistant Registrar, Provost’s Office, among others.
