The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) graduated the pioneer set of students of its Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital Administration and Management (PGDHAM) for the 2024/2025 academic session on Wednesday. The program is affiliated with the School of Postgraduate Studies, Lagos State University. The historic ceremony took place at the hospital's MRC Auditorium.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, described the occasion as a landmark achievement, marking the graduation of the programme's first cohort. He noted that the day marked not just the completion of an academic programme, but the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare leadership within the institution and beyond. He described the graduating students as pioneers who had set the standard, blazed the trail, and laid a strong foundation upon which future cohorts would build.
The CMD observed that the healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, with advances in medical science, increasing patient expectations, resource constraints, and the need for efficiency and accountability demanding a new cadre of professionals, individuals who not only understand clinical care but also possess the managerial acumen to drive systems, optimize resources, and deliver quality healthcare sustainably.
He noted that the PGDHAM was conceived with that vision in mind, emphasizing that at LASUTH, excellence in healthcare delivery is not solely dependent on clinical expertise, but also requires strong leadership, sound administration, strategic thinking, and effective management. He described the programme as a strategic investment in human capital development, aimed at strengthening the health system from within.
Commending the graduands, Prof. Fabamwo acknowledged their resilience, discipline, and commitment, noting that balancing the rigours of the programme with professional and personal responsibilities was no small feat. He stated that their success was a testament to their dedication and belief in continuous learning and self-improvement.
He urged the graduates, as they stepped forward from the ceremony, to carry not just the certificates they had earned, but the responsibility that comes with them, describing them as ambassadors of excellence in hospital administration, change agents, and leaders. He charged them to apply their knowledge and skills to improve processes, enhance patient experiences, strengthen teamwork, and promote accountability within their various institutions, and to let innovation, integrity, and compassion guide their decisions, always remembering that at the centre of every policy, every system, and every administrative decision is the patient.
Prof. Fabamwo also took a moment to appreciate the faculty, coordinators, and all those who contributed to the successful design and delivery of the programme, noting that their dedication had made the milestone possible and that they had not only taught but inspired. He equally expressed gratitude to the families and loved ones of the graduates for their unwavering support, acknowledging that their encouragement had been instrumental in the graduates' success.
In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment and Training, Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Olubusola Abidakun, encouraged the graduands to mentor upcoming cohorts and continue striving for professional growth. She emphasized the importance of continuous learning, noting that success requires persistence and determination. She also described administrators as the "oxygen" of organizations, highlighting the effective management of the four M's, man, materials, money, and machine.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Health Service Commission (HSC), Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources of HSC, Mrs. Oluwatosin Owoade, congratulated the graduands and described the programme as a strategic investment in strengthening Lagos State's healthcare system. She urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity, and service, and to contribute meaningfully to healthcare transformation.
The Dean of the Postgraduate Group at LASU, Professor Ibrahim Olateju, also congratulated the graduands, describing the occasion as both the culmination of an academic journey and the beginning of new opportunities. He encouraged them to remain bold, courageous, and steadfast, stating, "The future belongs to those who are prepared to create it."
In his remarks, the Chairman, Guild of Lagos State Medical Directors and Medical Director of Randle General Hospital, Surulere, Dr. Olumide Sojinrin, described hospital administration as a multidisciplinary field critical to the efficient functioning of healthcare institutions. He highlighted the pivotal role administrators play in ensuring effective operations, financial management, policy implementation, and quality patient care.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony were the Director of Clinical Services and Training, Prof. Adebowale O. Adekoya; Director of Hospital Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Olayinka Oye-Bamgbose; Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Raliat Hassan; Director of Nursing Services, Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Sikaiye; members of the Top Management Committee; Sub-Dean, Postgraduate School, Prof. Olanrewaju Ajiboye; Deputy Provost, LASUCOM, Prof. Sunday Soyemi; Representative of the Vice Chancellor, LASU,Prof. Stephen Odunayo Ikuerowo, Dean of Clinical Services and Training LASUCOM; Representative of Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Ololade Ashimi, Director of Service Matters; President of Institute of Health Service Administrators if Nigeria, represented by Dr. Adey Inka Antwi, Director of Administration, Federal Neuropsychiatry Hospital, Yaba, Faculty Members of PGDHAM, amongst others.
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