UI alumni donate equipment worth $1m to UCH

T The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan Class of 1989, has donated hospital equipment worth $1 million to the University College Hospital, Ibadan, to enhance healthcare delivery.

The donation, facilitated through a US-based non-governmental organisation, Project C.U.R.E., which specialises in collecting and distributing medical equipment to hospitals in developing countries, includes hospital beds, mattresses, crutches, wheelchairs, hospital consumables, and mobile ultrasound machines, among others.

During the official handover of the equipment on Monday, the Class President of the 1989 set, Olatunji Akintilo, represented by Mojisola Talabi, expressed delight at the realisation of the long-standing vision.

“We are here today to witness the result of a dream come true,” Talabi said. “This donation of equipment to UCH is valued at $1 million. It started as a dream and a vision to support UCH in maintaining its status as a centre of excellence for healthcare delivery in Nigeria.”

She explained that the Class of 1989 had approached Project C.U.R.E. in 2020 for assistance, and following a site visit to UCH, a list of needed equipment was compiled. As a result, a container of medical supplies was shipped from the US and arrived at Lagos’ Tin Can Port in October 2021.

However, clearing the equipment from Nigerian Customs proved challenging. “We were told to pay hefty clearance fees, and the container incurred demurrage. At some point, it seemed impossible, and we almost gave up. But in the end, we overcame the customs issues,” she revealed. The equipment finally arrived at UCH on October 3, 2024.

In his remarks, UCH Chief Medical Director, Jesse Otegbayo, expressed gratitude on behalf of the hospital, noting that the donation was the largest received during his tenure.

“I am truly happy today. This is the single largest donation we have received at UCH since I assumed office six years ago, and it was made by my own Class of 1989 from the University of Ibadan. When I became CMD, they promised to support any area of need, and that led to an official visit to the hospital. We thank God the mission has been accomplished,” Otegbayo said.

Otegbayo also acknowledged the efforts of UCH staff members, particularly Victor Makanjuola and Taiye Soyinka, for their persistence during the three-year process to clear the container.

The equipment is expected to significantly boost UCH’s capacity to provide quality healthcare services.