Nigerian-British GP Professor Bola Owolabi Appointed First Chief Inspector of Primary Care by CQC UK
Fellow Nurses Africa News Desk | May 2025 | England
In a groundbreaking development for healthcare leadership and representation, Professor Bola Owolabi, a highly respected Nigerian-British General Practitioner, has been appointed as the first Chief Inspector of Primary and Community Services at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in the United Kingdom.
This marks a significant milestone for the UK’s healthcare regulatory body as it returns to clinician-led inspections and sector-specific oversight. Professor Owolabi’s appointment is especially noteworthy for African healthcare professionals and the global health equity movement.
A Powerful Voice for Health Equity
Professor Owolabi brings a wealth of experience and passion for reducing healthcare inequalities. She currently serves as the Director of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England, where she pioneered the Core20PLUS5 strategy. This national initiative targets the most deprived 20% of the population plus other underserved groups, aiming to improve health outcomes in five key clinical areas.
Her appointment is a direct response to a 2024 review that called for restoring confidence in the CQC by appointing respected, experienced clinicians to lead healthcare regulation. Her new role will focus on regulating essential frontline services such as GP surgeries, community healthcare, and dentistry — the core of primary care delivery across the UK.
“My passionate commitment to reducing inequalities in healthcare has guided my career,” said Professor Owolabi. “I’m delighted that this new role will help independent regulation build a truly equitable health and care system, especially for underserved communities.”
A Trailblazer from Nigeria to the NHS
Born in Nigeria, Professor Owolabi’s journey from medical training to national leadership in the UK is both inspiring and impactful. As a practising GP in the Midlands, she bridges the gap between policy and patient care — bringing real-world experience to her leadership role.
She has previously served as National Specialty Advisor for Older People and Integrated Person-Centred Care at NHS England, contributing to the National Ageing Well Programme and shaping the future of anticipatory and holistic care for older adults.
Why This Matters to African Healthcare Professionals
For nurses, doctors, and healthcare leaders across Africa, Professor Owolabi’s rise to one of the most influential regulatory roles in the UK is more than just news — it’s a signal of what’s possible.
Her appointment affirms the importance of African professionals in shaping global healthcare systems, advocating for equality, and leading with cultural intelligence and clinical insight. It also highlights the increasing value of diversity in healthcare leadership and the potential of African-trained professionals to influence systems beyond borders.
Looking Ahead
As the Care Quality Commission reforms its structure to include four sector-focused Chief Inspectors — covering hospitals, mental health, adult social care, and now primary care — Professor Owolabi’s leadership will be central to shaping how care is monitored, improved, and regulated.
She joins the CQC in summer 2025 and will continue serving patients as a GP, ensuring her decisions are always grounded in the realities of care delivery.
- Professor Owolabi’s appointment reaffirms the growing impact of African talent in global health leadership.
- Her focus on health equity aligns with Africa’s pressing needs for inclusive, community-focused healthcare.
- Her success story is a powerful reminder that African professionals can lead, influence, and transform health systems globally.
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