By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
Prof. Adewale Musa Olomu, MBBS, FWACS, FICS, MSc., PhD, on Thursday delivered an emotional and impactful account of his stewardship at a pre-commissioning press conference themed “Reaching the Promised Land.” at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta (FMC)
Having resumed office on July 10, 2017, Prof. Olomu reflected on a journey that began amid severe infrastructure and manpower deficiencies. “There was no single ultrasound machine, no X-ray machine, not even a conference hall,” he said. But eight years later, the story of FMC Abeokuta has become one of transformation, vision, and legacy.
At the heart of his leadership philosophy was a commitment to meritocracy. “Whatever we do, we should always allow merit to prevail,” he emphasized.
Under his leadership, FMC Abeokuta established a 20-bed Intensive Care Unit, a Neuro-Surgery Centre, and a Cardiac Centre of international standard. These, alongside three CNG buses for staff transportation, modern diagnostic equipment, and improved staff welfare, mark the tangible impact of his administration.
The crowning jewel of his legacy is the Federal University of Medicine, now located in Abeokuta. “I promised the union this hospital would become a teaching hospital—and today, it is. The university is alive, and I named it,” he announced proudly.
Despite these triumphs, Prof. Olomu didn’t shy away from Nigeria’s healthcare challenges. He pointed out the exodus of doctors due to poor remuneration and lack of incentives, calling for a revamp of the system.
“Our doctors are not underperforming—they are underpaid,” he said. “They earn about N700,000 to N800,000 monthly. That cannot sustain a family with children abroad. Yet, these same doctors carry out complex surgeries like nerve-sparing cancer removals—procedures you would expect from US or UK hospitals.”
As he prepares to hand over the reins, Prof. Olomu said the transformation of FMC Abeokuta is proof that with vision and merit, Nigerian institutions can achieve global standards. “We have reached the promised land,” he declared. “My workers have been diligent, our services are second to none, and our people have been taken to a new dawn in healthcare.”
