…As nursing college set to award degrees
The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and sustaining progress despite funding difficulties.
Speaking at the opening session of a three-day workshop on the 2025–2027 HIV/AIDS State Strategic Plan, held in Ibadan, the Chairman of Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA), Gbola Adetunji, a medical doctor emphasized the importance of ownership in HIV programming.
“Our goal is to fully take responsibility for HIV care in the state without heavy reliance on external aid,” he noted.
The workshop, organised in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), was aimed at creating a comprehensive plan to guide the state’s response and aligning with national health policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ending the epidemic by 2030.
Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, medical doctor and Commissioner for Health highlighting the challenges faced acknowledged the impact of the discontinuation of the USAID-supported HIV Sustainability and Transition Project.
“Oyo State has intensified collaborations, shifted to domestic ownership, and integrated HIV services into routine healthcare to ensure sustainability,” she stated
Ajetunmobi also praised the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for its support of over 30,000 people living with HIV across 53 treatment centers statewide.
She described the workshop as a chance to improving strategies, addressing gaps, and adopting people-centered approaches.
“The Oyo State Ministry of Health has taken the bull by the horns. In response to that disruption, we intensified our collaboration with partners, held a series of strategic engagements, and reaffirmed our commitment to domestic ownership and sustainability.
“We have deliberately moved away from vertical, donor-dependent programming and are now pushing for full integration of HIV services into our routine healthcare delivery system,” she added.
Rasheedat Jogbojogbo, representing the National Agency for the Control of Aids, (NACA), reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting Oyo State in developing a robust plan for equitable access to HIV/AIDS services.
Akin Fagbemi, chairman of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, speaking also at the Workshop, pledged continuous support to eliminate HIV in the state.
In his address, the project consultant, Olalekan Adebimpe, a professor assured participants of technical guidance, while also the Coordinating Director of OYSACA, Wale Falana, a medical doctor called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the agency’s mandate.
The workshop gathered national and state policymakers, health experts, development partners, and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to reduce new infections and improve treatment outcomes.
Meanwhile, Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele, Ibadan has concluded arrangements to begin degree-awarding programmes soon.
Gbonjubola Owolabi, the provost of the College, who disclosed this during the donation of a 110-inch interactive electronic board and projector to the institution by the set X (1979-1982) said the institution was already in the process of affiliating with the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, to provide a veritable platform for students of the institution to pursue bachelor and master degrees, which will enable them to reach the pinnacle of their respective careers, right from the college.
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Former students of the College, code-named Set X (1979-1982), donated a 110-inch interactive electronic board and a projector to the college as part of their reunion celebration, while the 1985 set of the college donated industrial borehole to the college.
Commending the alumni for the donation, the Provost said: “The noble initiative of the old students will in no small measure contribute to educational development in the State. It is indeed encouraging, laudable, commendable, and appreciated.”
She said the college would not rest on its oars in providing quality education to future nurses, noting that the college will maintain its position as the premier nursing institution in Nigeria.
The Provost stated that the College has gotten approval to run faculties, adding that more programmes will be offered after full accreditation by the relevant Federal Government regulatory bodies and councils.
She added that the college was fully committed to theoretical and practical training, as well as skills development.
While thanking the ex-students for the donations, the provost urged them not to relent in their efforts at giving back to the college.
Earlier, Yemisi Bhadmus-Ladi, chairman of 1979-1982 set, said, “The School of Nursing, Eleyele renamed as College of Nursing Sciences, Eleyele was a stepping stone to their greatness.”
She thanked committed members of the set for their efforts at ensuring the completion of the projects.
The industrial borehole and the 110-inch interactive electronic board and projector were later commissioned.
