FG approves upgrade of Ibadan Oncology Centre as Tinubu pushes health sector reform

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal Government has approved the upgrade of the Oncology Centre at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, as part of a sweeping reform agenda aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

The approval, which came at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.

Prof. Pate said the decision is part of a broader national effort to enhance cancer care and establish world-class treatment facilities across Nigeria. Similar upgrades are underway or planned for centres in Lagos, Zaria, Jos, and other key cities, he added.

“The Council approved a full business case for upgrading the existing oncology centre at UCH, Ibadan. It will be equipped with a linear accelerator, radiotherapy, and diagnostic equipment, enabling the hospital to treat a wider range of cancers locally,” Pate said.

He emphasized that President Tinubu’s administration is spearheading what he described as a “revolution in the health sector,” citing recent launches of oncology centres in Katsina, Enugu, and Benin as evidence of rapid progress.

“This country has never seen this level of attention from any president when it comes to rebooting the healthcare system,” the minister said.

In addition to oncology investments, Pate highlighted the commissioning of more than 10 major projects this week at the newly completed University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, now considered one of the largest in West Africa. These include a neurology centre, stroke centre, heart centre, interventional radiology unit, and a revamped oncology unit.

The minister also addressed ongoing concerns in the health workforce, including recent unrest triggered by a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The circular, based on outdated agreements, caused dissatisfaction among health professionals.