…Seeks Doctors to Boost Healthcare Across State Hospitals
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The Kwara State Hospitals Management Board has announced vacancies for qualified medical officers as part of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s healthcare expansion initiative. The recruitment aims to strengthen medical services in general and cottage hospitals statewide.
Eligible candidates must possess an MBBS/MBChB degree from accredited institutions, valid Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) registration, and NYSC completion certificate. Applicants should demonstrate clinical competence and readiness for deployment across Kwara’s healthcare facilities.
Interested doctors are required to submit their CVs, credentials, MDCN license, and NYSC documents either physically at the KW-HMB office on Fate Road, Ilorin or via WhatsApp to +2348057833718 before August 1, 2025.
“The recruitment reflects our commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for all residents,” stated the Board’s Executive Secretary. Successful candidates will join Kwara’s growing network of public health professionals delivering essential services.
The Kwara State Government has restated its strong commitment to promoting oral health as a key component of general wellbeing, urging residents to embrace preventive care and regular dental check-ups.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, during the opening of a three-day free oral health outreach organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Pharma Decko PLC at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Ilorin.
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, the Commissioner said oral health is often neglected despite being foundational to overall health.
“Oral health is the cornerstone of overall health, yet it is often neglected. Poor oral hygiene contributes to several non-communicable diseases. Its effects may be gradual but often become severe if left unaddressed. That’s why this outreach is timely and essential,” El-Imam said.
She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained investments in the health sector, including the renovation and equipping of the state’s dental clinic, which she described as a major step forward in improving access to dental care.
The Commissioner urged Kwarans to take full advantage of the outreach by getting free dental checks, treatments, and professional advice on oral hygiene.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Pharma Decko PLC, Mr. Ishola Olukayode, praised the Kwara State Government and Ministry of Health for their swift support.
“Despite the short notice, the Ministry gave us overwhelming support. Pharma Decko PLC is committed to supporting oral health in Nigeria. Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness, many people still use harmful substances on their teeth, risking their general health,” he noted.
Mr. Olukayode emphasized that oral care involves more than just daily brushing. He advocated for regular professional check-ups and increased public sensitization to tackle deep-rooted misconceptions and risky practices.
During an oral health education session at the event, Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr. Kasali Ajao, revealed that brushing alone addresses only about 40% of oral health needs. He recommended scaling and polishing at least twice a yearfor proper dental care.
“Comprehensive oral hygiene requires professional care, not just daily brushing,” he added.
The free oral health outreach continues until Thursday at the Dental Unit of KWASUTH, offering residents free diagnoses and treatments, including scaling, polishing, and oral health consultations.
Residents are encouraged to turn out in large numbers and use the opportunity to take proactive steps towards better oral and overall health.
…State Government Partners UNICEF for Intensive 10-Day Capacity Building on Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care
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In a strategic effort to further reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates across Kwara State, the government has launched a 10-day intensive training for 50 frontline healthcare workers across all 16 Local Government Areas. The training, which began on Monday, May 26, 2025, is being organized by the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency with support from UNICEF and other development partners.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Peace Hotel and Suites, Tanke, Ilorin, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, emphasized that the initiative is part of the state government’s broader commitment to improving the quality of maternal and child health services.
“This is the second time we are organizing this specialized training on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC), and the impact has been remarkable,” Prof. Elelu stated. “The first round not only doubled the number of safe deliveries in our primary healthcare centres, but also significantly reduced maternal and infant mortality. Kwara is now one of the safest places in the country to give birth.”
Prof. Elelu acknowledged the visionary leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, highlighting his recent recruitment of 105 additional frontline health workers and his commitment to revitalizing primary healthcare infrastructure across the state. She noted that each geopolitical zone now has at least one functional, well-staffed PHC, thanks to the Governor’s “revolutionary investments in healthcare.”
She also commended the facilitators and encouraged the trainees to approach the program with utmost seriousness, stressing the critical role they play in managing complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, Director of Primary Health Care Systems, noted that the training is designed to enhance the capacity of available health workers to respond to the needs of local communities. “With this initiative, we are preparing our workforce to reduce preventable deaths and meet global health targets,” he said.
The Lead Facilitator, Prof. Hadijat Raji of the University of Ilorin’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, stressed the urgent need for capacity building in maternal and newborn care. “Despite progress, maternal and neonatal deaths in Nigeria remain unacceptably high, mostly due to delays in care,” she said. “This training will equip participants with the skills to identify and respond to life-threatening complications quickly and effectively.”
Prof. Raji praised the Kwara State Government, UNICEF, and all supporting stakeholders for making the training possible, urging participants not only to apply what they’ve learned but also to serve as mentors and advocates within their healthcare facilities.
The training is expected to conclude on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, with a renewed pool of well-trained, frontline health workers ready to scale impact across the state’s health system, especially at the grassroots level.
…Ministry of Social Development sensitises communities across 16 LGAs on health risks and legal consequences
The Kwara State Ministry of Social Development has embarked on a statewide sensitisation campaign across all 16 Local Government Areas to raise awareness about the dangers and legal implications of female genital mutilation (FGM).
The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC) and supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aims to curb the harmful practice and promote the health and rights of girls in the state.
Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, PhD, warned that those who continue to engage in FGM risk facing prosecution under Nigerian law. Represented by the Director of Social Welfare, Elder Kayode James, she highlighted the long-term health complications of the practice, including infections, infertility, reduced sexual function, and psychological trauma.
At stops including Bode Saadu, Ijagbo, Ira, Okaka, Taiwo, and Isale Koko, the Commissioner explained that FGM not only violates the rights of girls but also exposes them to diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis B, and HIV, often due to the use of unsterilised instruments.
She urged community members to report individuals involved in the act to the appropriate authorities, reinforcing the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on FGM.
Also speaking during the campaign, Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Alhaji Hamzat Fatai, described FGM as a harmful traditional practice that must be eradicated. He advised the public to rely only on certified medical personnel for any form of circumcision and to avoid roadside practitioners.
Community members at the various locations pledged their support for the government’s efforts, promising to spread awareness and discourage the practice in their localities.
… The two-day workshop prepares frontline doctors ahead of the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign.
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In a proactive move to strengthen healthcare delivery and eliminate malaria, the Kwara State Government has conducted a two-day intensive workshop for medical doctors on the management of severe malaria. The Training of Trainers workshop, themed “Strengthening Clinical Capacity for Early Detection, Effective Management, and Reduction of Mortality from Severe Malaria,” was organized by the Kwara State Ministry of Health.
The capacity-building initiative forms part of the state’s larger malaria control strategy, which includes the upcoming 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign. This program will deliver preventive antimalarial drugs house-to-house to children aged 3 to 59 months in 11 eligible local government areas across the state.
Declaring the training open, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, emphasized the critical importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment, especially for children under five and pregnant women—two groups most vulnerable to severe malaria complications.
“Severe malaria remains a significant public health concern, despite the progress we’ve made. This training reinforces our resolve to equip doctors with the tools needed to save lives,” Dr. Fakayode said, while commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent investment in health system strengthening.
Alhaja Latifat Abdullahi, Programme Manager of the Malaria Unit, lauded the doctors for their dedication and stressed the value of continuous professional development. “Your commitment to this training shows your passion for better outcomes. We encourage you to translate this knowledge into improved patient care,” she said.
Dr. Oladapo Kazeem, Head of Malaria Case Management, presented key insights into Nigeria’s malaria landscape, revealing that the country still accounts for 24% of global malaria deaths. However, he celebrated Kwara’s notable progress, citing a drop in malaria prevalence among children under five from 26% in 2015 to 6% in 2021—a feat attributed to increased access to ACTs and robust public health interventions.
By sharpening clinical competencies and preparing healthcare workers for the SMC campaign, the Kwara State Government continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to reducing malaria-related deaths and achieving a malaria-free future.
… The state government, in collaboration with the World Bank’s IMPACT project, equips frontline PHC workers with critical skills to improve labour monitoring and reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
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In a decisive move to reduce maternal mortality and improve delivery outcomes, the Kwara State Government has trained 193 health workers from Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the state on the effective use of the Partograph — a critical labour-monitoring tool.
The 3-day training, which concluded on Wednesday, was organised by the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA) with support from the World Bank’s IMPACT project (Immunization Plus Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services). It aimed to bridge the knowledge gap among newly recruited health workers and also served as a refresher course for existing staff.
Executive Secretary of the Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, represented by Dr. Michael Oguntoye, Director of Primary Health Care Systems and Programme Manager of IMPACT, said the training would equip participants with the skills needed to monitor maternal and fetal health, detect complications early, and make informed decisions for timely referrals.
“The Partograph is a lifesaving tool. When used correctly, it can significantly reduce the risks women face during childbirth,” she said, while commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his sustained investment in the health sector.
Dr. Medinat Olaosebikan, Focal Person for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health + Nutrition (RMNCAH+N), added that the training would lead to measurable improvements in the quality of care at PHC facilities. “This will ensure safer deliveries, early detection of poor labour progress, and prompt interventions that protect the lives of mothers and babies,” she said.
The training is part of the administration’s broader commitment to strengthening Kwara’s healthcare system and promoting safe motherhood for all.
… Shortlisted candidates to appear on May 21 and 22 at Commission headquarters in Ilorin; no rescheduling for absentees, says Permanent Secretary.
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The Kwara State Civil Service Commission has scheduled oral interviews for candidates shortlisted for various medical and healthcare positions in the state civil service. The interviews will take place on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, and Thursday, 22 May 2025, at the Commission’s headquarters on Ahman Patigi Road, GRA, Ilorin, beginning at 8:00 a.m. on both days.
According to a statement from the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Hajia Kifayat Jimoh, the interview exercise is part of the ongoing recruitment process to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce.
The breakdown of the interview schedule is as follows:
● Wednesday, 21 May 2025: Consultants, Resident Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Records Officers, and Medical Laboratory Scientists. ● Thursday, 22 May 2025: Health Attendants and Cleaners. Hajia Jimoh urged all shortlisted candidates to adhere strictly to their assigned dates and arrive early with the necessary documentation, stressing that no make-up interviews will be granted to absentees.
The recruitment drive reflects the Kwara State Government’s commitment to boosting healthcare delivery by filling critical vacancies with qualified professionals across state health facilities.
Oniye Munirat Abimbola, Press Secretary of the Civil Service Commission, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to conduct a smooth and transparent interview process.
…Commissioner applauds investment in education and healthcare, urges students to uphold professionalism
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The Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences, Oke-Ode, located in Ifelodun Local Government Area, has matriculated its first set of students, marking a major milestone for the institution. At the event, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was lauded for his unwavering commitment to advancing education and healthcare across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, praised the Governor for his transformational strides, particularly in the recruitment of healthcare personnel, provision of medical equipment, and support for tertiary institutions. She urged the new students to be fully committed to their studies, stressing that the lives of others would one day depend on their skills, integrity, professionalism, and compassion.
Hajia Sa’adatu also expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for their support, while acknowledging the host community and traditional rulers for fostering a peaceful environment that has allowed the college to thrive.
In his address, the Provost of the College, Alhaji Abdquadri Lanre, described the matriculation as historic and long overdue. He confirmed that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) had approved the National Diploma (ND) Nursing program, which has also been fully accredited by both the NMCN and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The Provost praised Governor AbdulRazaq as a “silent achiever” and “visionary leader,” noting that the administration’s focus on both infrastructure and human capacity has significantly improved healthcare delivery across Kwara State.
Guest speaker, Professor Joel Afolayan from the Department of Nursing at the University of Ilorin, delivered a lecture titled “The Future of Nursing — Emerging Roles and Specializations,” which challenged the students to embrace the evolving landscape of the profession.
Muhammad Aishat Talatu, the students’ set coordinator, encouraged her colleagues to approach their studies with the mindset of winners, emphasizing the principles of capacity, conformity, and commitment.
Highlights of the ceremony included the symbolic capping and stripping of the matriculating students, a tour of the college’s facilities by the Commissioner, goodwill messages, and drama presentations.
The event was attended by directors from the Ministry of Tertiary Education, academic and non-academic staff, parents, and well-wishers.
…Governor AbdulRazaq backs local pharmaceutical industry for sustainable health services
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The Kwara State Government has announced a strategic partnership with Sam Pharmaceutical Company Limited to strengthen the drug supply chain system across state-owned hospitals. The move, led by the Kwara State Hospital Management Board (KW-HMB), is aimed at promoting indigenous pharmaceutical companies while enhancing access to quality healthcare for residents.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, made this known during a facility inspection of Sam Pharmaceutical Company Limited in Ilorin. He commended the company’s long-standing contribution to the state’s economy and employment of local youths, describing the partnership as a significant step toward economic empowerment and healthcare reform.
“This moment is historic for Kwara State, as the government collaborates with indigenous pharmaceutical companies. All credit goes to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” Dr. Malik said. He stressed that the partnership underscores the government’s commitment to empowering local enterprises without compromising on the quality of drugs provided to hospitals.
While expressing confidence in the capacity of Sam Pharmaceutical Company to deliver quality medications, Dr. Malik emphasized that only firms adhering strictly to quality assurance standards will be engaged, as the well-being of Kwarans remains the administration’s top priority.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Pharm. Salami Isaac, Superintendent Pharmacist, appreciated the government’s support, noting that the partnership marked a major milestone in the company’s history. He assured the state of their dedication to maintaining high pharmaceutical standards for the benefit of patients and healthcare providers.
Also present during the facility tour were key officials of the Board including Pharm. Mustapha Jimoh, Director of Pharmacy; Pharm. Lovet Oladele, Project Coordinator of the Kwara State Essential Drugs Programme (EDP); Pharm. Mustapha Hasiat; Mr. Adamu Usman, Press Secretary; and Mr. Moshood Ibrahim, Admin Officer.
…Governor AbdulRazaq prioritizes health sector development, supports young specialists
The Kwara State Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to healthcare development with the prompt disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to 37 resident doctors in the state civil service.
According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, this marks the third consecutive year that the state has fulfilled its obligation to support medical professionals with the MRTF—an initiative that significantly eases the financial burden of specialist training.
Dr. El-Imam expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support to the health sector, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of the administration’s priority on human capital development.
“The MRTF is not just a financial intervention—it is a statement of this administration’s priorities and values. Our resident doctors are the future of our healthcare system, and this support ensures that their journey to becoming specialists is not hindered by financial constraints,” she said.
The Commissioner added that the prompt disbursement was intended to help the young doctors focus on their clinical education and deliver quality healthcare to the people of Kwara State.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for health workers and ensuring access to quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare services across the state.
