The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has emphasized the need for stronger policy harmonization and collaboration among the federal, state, and local governments to build a more resilient and equitable healthcare system in Nigeria.
He made this call while delivering the keynote address at the 18th Horatio Oritsejolomi Thomas (HOT) Memorial Lecture, held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL).
Speaking on the topic, “Transforming Healthcare: The Role of Political Leadership,” Mr. Gbajabiamila identified joint funding mechanisms, human resource development, infrastructure support, public health coordination, insurance integration, community engagement, and shared monitoring systems as areas where meaningful partnerships can drive improvement.
The former Parliamentarian noted that such collaborations must be rooted in trust, transparency, and a shared vision for health equity, stressing that these principles are vital for closing healthcare gaps across the nation.He also highlighted some of the major challenges confronting the sector to include; inadequate funding, corruption, weak health information systems, and policy discontinuity.
As a way forward, the immediate past Speaker, House of Representatives urged state governments to invest strategically in initiatives with long-term benefits, such as upgrading Primary Health Centres to meet the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BMPHS) — a step he said would significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes.
On leveraging innovation, Hon. Gbajabiamila encouraged the adoption of digital tools to enhance service delivery, streamline healthcare operations, and expand access to under-served communities.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, said without political will, progress in healthcare would remain limited. She added that through President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s health policies, Nigeria’s healthcare narrative is gradually changing.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, described the lecture as an opportunity to reflect on leadership, innovation, and the future of healthcare in Nigeria.
He said, “As we reflect on our journey over the past sixty-three years, let us remember that the future of healthcare in Nigeria depends not only on the brilliance of our doctors and dentists, but also on the courage of our leaders to prioritise health in policy, funding, and national vision. Let us also challenge ourselves to be not just healers, but advocates working hand-in-hand with policymakers to shape a healthier and more just society.”
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, commended Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila’s exemplary leadership, describing him as a transformative figure who continues to steer national progress with vision and integrity.
The event also featured the presentation of commendation awards to Past Provosts and Deputy Provosts of the College, as well as to Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, in recognition of their outstanding service, leadership, and enduring contributions to the growth and legacy of the College.
Report: Oluwaseyi Aluko
Photography: Bosede Adedeji
Editor: Gbenga Gbelee
