The Journey of a Medical Icon: Professor Oke Bows Out as CMUL Provost

By Daniel Kelechi, Oladotun Deborah, Odulaja Oluwayinka, Olowo Olaide, Alade Bisola, and  Kehinde-Agbeyangi Eunice

The mission to transform one of Nigeria’s leading medical institutions started when Professor David Oke assumed office as the provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), on January 1, 2021. While many saw his role as the culmination of decades of dedication to medical education and healthcare, it was the start of a journey for Professor Oke to redefine excellence in the field. As his four-year tenure draws to a close, he reflects on the milestones, experiences, and lessons that have defined his leadership.

Having served for eight years as Chief Medical Director at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), it is no news that Professor Oke is well accustomed to leadership, and as such, he was able to understand and manage the challenges poised at his leadership in the College of Medicine. 

“I inherited an institution with inadequate infrastructure, poorly furnished offices, and minimal technological resources,” he recalled. “It felt like an uphill battle, but I was determined to bring about change.”

Prof. Oke’s tenure saw the modernisation of the college, which includes the computerisation of several offices. Alumni-funded solar-powered systems now sustain the library and reading rooms, significantly reducing reliance on costly energy sources. Infrastructure projects flourished under his leadership, such as the nearly completed 420-bed hostel, designed to provide students with comfortable accommodation. 

Additionally, the college’s visitor’s lodge also underwent a major renovation, elevating it to a three-star facility, while research thrived under Prof. Oke’s leadership. Notable among the research grants is the multi-million-dollar grant from the Bill Gates Foundation, secured by a reputable lecturer in the college, Professor Abosede Afolabi, which enhanced infrastructure and the college’s reputation.

However, managing a medical college in Nigeria came with significant economic challenges. Unlike the revenue-generating LASUTH, which Prof. Oke previously headed as Director, the college relies heavily on student fees which have remained largely stagnant despite rising costs.

“The cost of medical education has skyrocketed,” he explained. “For example, a desktop computer that cost ₦600,000 four years ago now costs over ₦1.2 million.” 

Despite these constraints, he secured critical projects through alumni support and continues to advocate for broader financial reforms. 

“Medical training isn’t cheap anywhere in the world. We must reassess how we fund education to meet global standards. Rising energy costs also posed a persistent challenge, with monthly electricity bills surging from ₦26 million to over ₦50 million. This prompted the installation of solar panels and energy conservation initiatives, though powering the hostels remains a significant obstacle.” 

The intense pressures of medical training also came to the forefront during Professor Oke’s tenure, highlighted by tragic student suicides. These incidents spurred the introduction of mental health workshops, wellness monitoring committees, and regular student orientations. However, Nigeria’s shortage of mental health professionals continues to present significant challenges.  

Under his leadership, the College of Medicine maintained its rigorous curriculum and continued to produce a league of world-class doctors. Prof. Oke also noted that CMUL has partnered with Federal Medical Centre Ebute Metta, National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi and other research institutions to enable students of the college to get outside experience and broaden their scope of medical education.