The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has inaugurated an Advanced Professional Diploma Programme in Hospital Administration and Management, marking a significant stride in healthcare management education.
The ceremony, held on April 13, 2024, was attended by a distinguished roster of healthcare professionals, administrators, and stakeholders.
The Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, highlighted the programme’s aim to address the skill gap preventing hospital administrators from advancing beyond level 14 without a professional diploma.
“LASUTH has consistently achieved its mandate as a teaching hospital, excelling in medical interventions and tertiary health services. This new programme underscores our commitment to expanding our educational offerings.
“The hospital has established five training schools, which are School of Anesthetic Technology, School of Orthopedic Cast Technology, School of Echocardiography, Caregiver Academy and the Institute of Advanced Professional Diploma in Hospital Administration and Management, which is being inaugurated today ,” he stated.
He said the initiative aligns with the strategic objectives of the Lagos State Government to cultivate a world-class, sustainable healthcare system.
He assured the pioneering students of excellent facilitators, deliberately handpicked to transfer hands-on knowledge to them.
Mr. Jenrola Olanrewaju, representing both the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, emphasised the importance of continuous professional development in building a resilient healthcare infrastructure.
He said the establishment of the institute aligns perfectly with the strategic objectives of the Lagos State Government in its quest to build a world-class healthcare system that is accessible and sustainable.
Olarenwaju further harped on the need for investment in the development of human capital and described it as “a way of fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, as well as laying the foundation for a healthcare eco system that is resilient, responsive and capable of meeting the evolving needs of a diverse population.”
The Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo, lauded the initiative, noting its importance in professionalising the administrative cadre within hospitals, a policy endorsed since 2016.
Echoing her sentiments, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Busola Abidakun, promised robust support for the institute, reinforcing the commitment to bolstering educational frameworks in the healthcare sector.
The President of the Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, praised LASUTH’s leadership for their visionary approach and encouraged the inaugural cohort of students to fully engage with the programme.
The event was also attended by notable figures including the Director of Clinical Services and Training at LASUTH, Prof. Adebowale O. Adekoya; the Director of Hospital Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Jelili Oyekan and the Head of Nursing Services, Mrs. Adebola Aina, among others.
This new institute promises to enhance the professional capabilities of healthcare administrators, contributing to the overall improvement of health services management in Lagos and beyond.
