In a bold declaration marking a pivotal moment for healthcare education in Nigeria, the Osun State Commissioner for Education, Dipo Eluwole, has affirmed that the Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa (OSCO-HEALTH), is poised to become the harbinger of transformation in the health-technology sector, not only within Osun State but across Nigeria.
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A Visionary Meeting Sets the Tone
The Commissioner’s announcement came during a formal courtesy visit to his Osogbo office by the College’s Governing Board and Management Team. Chaired by Hon. Abayomi Adegoke, the delegation included Provost Dr. Lateef Olarewaju Raheem, Permanent Secretary Mr. Murtala Jimoh, and other senior officials.
Eluwole conveyed the state government’s unwavering belief in OSCO-HEALTH as a vital instrument in its broader health-tech agenda. He praised the Board and management for their dedication and shared his confidence that, under this leadership, the college will realize its potential as a catalyst for sector-wide innovation and growth.
Strategic Alignment with State and Federal Priorities
According to Commissioner Eluwole, OSCO-HEALTH’s current trajectory dovetails perfectly with both state and federal ambitions to harness technological progress in the health sector. He singled out the institution’s rising significance, saying it “aligns with the collective vision of technological innovation in the health sector—a key priority for both state and federal governments.”
He emphasised that adolescents and adults alike must have access to world-class training that embraces cutting-edge digital tools, equipment, and methodologies. Such an approach, he believes, would not only upgrade patient outcomes but also curb the national talent drain of health technicians seeking professional exposure abroad.
Infrastructure as a Foundation in Osun
Describing progressive nations’ investments in health-tech education as a model to emulate, the Commissioner revealed that OSCO-HEALTH has been earmarked among Osun’s state-owned tertiary institutions due for road infrastructure upgrades. “We are determined to make OSCO-HEALTH a model health tech institution in Nigeria,” he stated emphatically.
This development signals a conscientious attempt by the Adeleke-led administration to reinforce the physical and logistical foundations essential for a dynamic learning environment. Streamlined access, through improved roads, will facilitate smooth movement of staff, students, and visitors, ultimately supporting the institution’s expansion agenda.
Commitment from the Board and Provost
The Board Chairman, Hon. Adegoke, reiterated the administration’s commitment, vowing that student and staff welfare will remain central priorities. He conveyed the Board’s readiness to execute the Governor’s vision, with plans underway to elevate the college’s visibility and academic prestige.
Supporting this, Provost Dr. Raheem extended heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Education, advocating for the institution’s reclassification to polytechnic status. He argued that this upgrade is vital to accessing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND)—a financial lifeline currently unavailable to colleges, despite OSCO-HEALTH satisfying many eligibility criteria
TETFUND support would unlock avenues for advanced equipment, research grants, program accreditation, and staff training—all essential ingredients for a thriving health‑tech education hub.
Strengthening Institutional Oversight and Collaboration
Permanent Secretary Mr. Murtala Jimoh described the courtesy visit as both opportune and commendable. He affirmed that the Ministry remains committed to robust collaboration with the college, offering guidance and practical support as OSCO-HEALTH rises to prominence.
Also in attendance were distinguished Board and management members: Alhaji Isiaka Akinlabi, Chief Mrs. Serifat Adenike, and Akinjimi Sunday, alongside Registrar Mr. Mushood Afolabi, Bursar Mr. Yinka Olaleye, Librarian Mrs. Kemi Ibitoye, and Director of Works, Engr. Imran Kareem.
A Brief History of OSCO‑HEALTH
Founded in 1977—initially by Oyo State under the Basic Health Service Scheme—the institution was conceived to train middle-tier health professionals. It relocated to its present Ilesa site in 1985 and attained formal state recognition in 2005 via the Osun State Government establishment law.
Over time, it has produced cadres of Environmental Health Technologists, Community Health Extension Workers, and other allied health professionals integral to primary and secondary healthcare delivery across Nigeria. A key milestone was its 2020 metamorphosis into a fully autonomous institution governed under the Ministry of Education.
Under Provost Dr. Lateef Olarewaju Raheem, appointed in February 2023, OSCO-HEALTH has intensified efforts to uplift academic quality, infrastructure, and outreach. These moves aim to reinvent the college as a health-tech training beacon.
Why Health-Tech Colleges Matter
Unlike traditional medical colleges, health technology institutions like OSCO-HEALTH provide practical, technical skills crucial to the functioning of modern healthcare systems. Fields such as medical laboratory diagnostics, radiography, environmental health, community health, and health informatics form the backbone of evidence-driven healthcare service delivery.
By investing in specialised training and embracing technological innovation, these institutions serve as pipelines for skilled technicians who support frontline healthcare, disease surveillance, public health initiatives, and medical research.
How OSCO‑HEALTH Can Lead Reform
Eluwole outlined several strategic avenues whereby OSCO-HEALTH could drive broader health-sector reform:
- Curriculum Modernisation: Infusing hands-on training with modern digital technologies—AI-enhanced diagnostics, e‑health systems, telehealth platforms.
- Public–Private Partnerships: Collaboration with health-tech firms to update equipment and offer work‑integrated training geared towards job readiness.
- Research & Innovation Hubs: Establishment of labs within the college for innovation in diagnostics, public health tools, and low-cost health tech solutions.
- Human Resource Development: Continuous staff training to ensure teaching reflects evolving global best practices.
- Community Integration: Embedding trainees into rural and peri-urban clinics, improving primary healthcare access and enriching the educational experience.
Such interventions aim to produce health technologists equipped for cyber‑health systems and advanced clinical settings.
Polytechnics vs. Colleges: Why the Push Matters
Dr. Raheem’s appeal for polytechnic status stems from TETFUND’s financing structure, which favours tertiary institutions. Achieving polytechnic level would unlock:
- Funding for state-of-the-art labs and classrooms
- Scholarships and grants
- Accreditation of HND and degree programs
- Enhanced institutional autonomy in curriculum design and partnerships
With these assets, OSCO-HEALTH could fast-track innovation and national competitiveness.
Government Support: A Collaborative Strategy
Commissioner Eluwole offered assurances, quoting Governor Ademola Adeleke, stating the state was committed to “development and repositioning” of OSCO‑HEALTH. Upgrades in road infrastructure are already planned, demonstrating the state’s readiness to invest in foundations that boost access and reputation.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education, through its Permanent Secretary, has pledged ongoing collaboration, which may include funding, facility oversight, and stakeholder engagement support—a comprehensive ecosystem approach.
Path Ahead: From Vision to Impact
To actualise this transformation, the following steps lie ahead:
- Polytechnic Upgrade: State legislature and regulator approval, followed by TETFUND qualification.
- Infrastructure Investment: Road upgrades, modern labs, ICT infrastructure.
- Curriculum Overhaul: Integration of emerging health-tech topics and certification pathways.
- Industry Partnerships: MOUs with device manufacturers, labs, and telehealth providers.
- Accreditation & Quality Assurance: Engagement with professional bodies to ensure program relevance.
- Community Outreach: Active presence in local healthcare through clinical postings and awareness campaigns.
Success in these areas could position OSCO‑HEALTH as a gold standard health-tech institution in West Africa.
Why This Matters in Osun State
Osun State is taking a progressive stance at a critical moment. Nigeria faces a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape marked by digital transformation, public health pressures, and demands for cost-effective solutions. By strategically situating OSCO-HEALTH at the heart of this agenda, Osun showcases leadership in aligning training capacity with future needs.
The ripple effects are immense:
- For Students: Access to high-quality, career-oriented education and lucrative job paths.
- For the Health Sector: Sustainable talent supply and enhanced public health capacity.
- For the State: Elevated international reputation and improved local healthcare delivery.
- For the Nation: A viable model for scaling technical health training across regions.
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