Building Globally Competitive Faculty is my Goal, says Health Profession Dean

By Barakat Lawal, Nosiru Misturah, Esau Emem, Badmus Damilola 

The pioneer dean of the Faculty of Health Professions at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Bosede Abidemi, says her administration is focused on positioning the faculty as one of the best health faculties in the world through research, innovation and strategic collaboration.

Abidemi said this in an interview with UNILAG Sun, noting that the faculty, which was recently established, currently houses four departments — Physiotherapy, Nursing Sciences, Radiography, and Medical and Laboratory Sciences.

She said the goal is to build a strong academic environment that prioritises cutting-edge research and excellence in healthcare education.

“We want to be one of the best health faculties in the world,” Abidemi said.

According to her, the faculty is promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, skills acquisition and mentorship programmes to ensure students are well-prepared for global competitiveness.

“We want our students to be globally competitive,” she said, adding that “every student must develop a skill.”

Abidemi also said the faculty is committed to driving innovation and expanding its research capacity through partnerships with industry sponsors and support from alumni networks.

“We don’t just see our students as learners, but as our children,” she said.

“We are seeking industry sponsors and alumni support to drive innovation and cutting-edge research.”

She, however, acknowledged that infrastructure and funding remain major challenges confronting the new faculty, explaining that the departments are still operating from their original locations.

“Infrastructure and funding are our biggest hurdles,” Abidemi said.

“The departments are still in their original locations, and we need a financier to construct a faculty office and enhance our research capabilities.”

Abidemi said her long-term vision is to establish the Faculty of Health Professions as a global leader in health education, research and community service.

“I want to be remembered for pioneering and effectively steering the faculty towards excellence in teaching, research and community service,” she said.