The Alolade College of Health Sciences and Information Technology built by the former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in memory of his mother, has commenced full academic activities with array of scholars and professionals.
A former Executive-Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Prof Peter Okebukola, who chairs the Implementation Committee of the college described the institution as a catalyst for desired transformation in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the orientation programme and commencement of lectures for the pioneer students of the tertiary institution in Okuku, Osun State on Wednesday, Okebukola said the college is practically oriented and that it parades array of topnotch professionals and scholars to teach in it.
Already, the former NUC boss and a former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, among other professors and doctors had promised to be lecturers at the college.
Okebukola disclosed that the institution would produce capable and qualified health experts that would turn things around in healthcare delivery, information technology and other expertise in the sectors.
He said: “The Nigerian, African and the world public should expect the best of trained students of any College of Health Sciences and Information Technology of its type in the world.
“What we have done is to top up the nation’s curriculum with modern and future looking contents and to ensure that it is not only theory but lots of practicals. And with best brains, health practitioners, health workers, environmental health workers, and IT professionals, that are deeply soaked in the knowledge and skills in their disciplines. So, we have put together professors, senior lecturers and all the experts in different programmes that will deliver the curriculum at the best level anywhere in the world.
“So, I and the members of the community were looking forward to two years from now when our products will be sought after everywhere in Nigeria, everywhere in Africa and everywhere in the world.
Okebukola stressed that, “There is hope for healthcare delivery in Nigeria. If you can have this kind of arrangement in all the other places, then there will be hope for the personnel because when you say healthcare delivery, it has so many components. It has the the infrastructure, it has personnel, it has the environment for running that infrastructure, which we are severely lacking in Nigeria. If we do our part of getting quality professionals, government and other stakeholders will take care of the rest.”
Speaking, Prince Oyinlola, the proprietor of the Alolade College of Health Sciences and Information Technology explained why he named it after his late mother, assuring that the institution would soon be upgraded to University.
Addresing the 67 pioneer students, the former governor urged them to adhere to the values and regulations of the school, adding, “as the first set of students, you have the unique opportunity to set the standards of greatness that future generations will aspire to follow. The possibilities for your future are limitless. Upon graduation, you will be highly sought- after professionals with cutting-edge expertise to thrive in your chosen fields. Your potential for national and global influence is immense, and the future is bright.”
Expressing happiness at the full take-off of the college, Oyinlola said: “By the special grace of God, I felt that the Lord has been so good to me and my family such that anyone can miss Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in history. If it is not listed in the history of Lagos State, you will find it in that of Osun State. I thought that in 100 years time, who will recall that woman that gave birth to Olagunsoye Oyinlola, that informed my thinking that there is need to immortalise her name, more so that she departed this world without savouring her labour.”
