Egbewole calls for purpose-driven health research
By Isaac Lewu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has emphasised the need for purposeful and goal-oriented implementation of research initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
Prof. Egbewole stated this last Monday (June 22, 2026) in his office while receiving the report of findings on training cost study from the Institute of Medical Research and Training (IMRAT), University of Ilorin.
The Vice Chancellor noted that every component of the project should remain focused on achieving the objectives for which it was conceived. He also explained that the study provides an important opportunity to properly package evidence that can guide policy decisions and support strategic planning in the country’s healthcare system.
The legal luminary also noted that the findings should serve as a valuable tool for stakeholders seeking sustainable solutions to challenges facing the training and retention of health professionals.
The Vice Chancellor commended the researchers and members of the project team for their dedication and commitment to producing evidence-based data capable of informing government interventions. He observed that the project stands out because of its focus on understanding the actual costs involved in training critical healthcare personnel, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, and community health workers.
He particularly acknowledged the expertise and experience of members of the research team, noting that many of them had demonstrated exceptional competence in health systems research long before assuming their current responsibilities. He said their depth of knowledge and wisdom had significantly contributed to the quality and credibility of the outcome of the study.
Prof. Egbewole, who is a Member of the Nigerian Body of Benchers, expressed confidence that the dissemination of the findings would stimulate informed discussions among policy makers, development partners, and healthcare stakeholders. He urged all relevant institutions to make effective use of the evidence generated by the study in order to strengthen health workforce planning and improve healthcare delivery across the country.
The Director of IMRAT, Prof. O. A. Bolarinwa, presented the completion report of a research grant secured by the Institute’s multidisciplinary research team in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).
The research project, titled “Health Workforce Pre-Service Training Assessment and Pipeline Analysis Modelling,” examined the cost, capacity, and challenges associated with training healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
Prof. Bolarinwa explained that the study was undertaken to provide evidence-based data on the resources required to train doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, and other healthcare workers. He noted that the research also assessed the training pipelines, admission capacity, infrastructure requirements, and factors affecting the production of skilled health personnel needed to strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.
According to him, the findings revealed significant gaps between the growing demand for healthcare training and the available institutional capacity, highlighting the need for increased investment in infrastructure and workforce development.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and the University management for their support, noting that the report would provide valuable insights for government policy makers, legislators, and stakeholders in planning for a sustainable health workforce in Nigeria.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Olalere Adeyemi; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal; and the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; among others.
