Staff of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti (FETHI) have praised the leadership of Chief Medical Director (CMD) Professor Adekunle Ajayi, crediting him with transforming patient care, staff welfare, and infrastructure at the hospital over the past eight years.
As Ajayi prepares to bow out at the end of his second term, senior staff and union leaders highlighted how his tenure repositioned the hospital from a struggling facility to a regional hub of excellence.
From Decline to Renewal
Before 2018, FETHI reportedly suffered low patient confidence, poor service delivery, and inadequate equipment. Dr. Olagoke Erinomo, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, noted that Prof. Ajayi’s agenda focused on restoring the hospital’s identity as a hospital of choice both within and outside Ekiti State.
“Patient satisfaction has improved, surgical backlogs have been cleared, and our diagnostic capacity has expanded. All of this came from investments in staff motivation, recruitment, and modern equipment,” Erinomo said.
Infrastructure and Equipment Upgrades
FETHI staff pointed to major infrastructure projects under Ajayi’s leadership, including:
- A new Accident and Emergency Building
- A modern Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- A Physiotherapy Complex
- A Molecular Laboratory and Isolation Ward
- An Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Laboratory
- A Health Information and ICT Building
Engineer Dada Adedayo, Director of Works and Services, praised Ajayi for resolving power and water challenges that had plagued the hospital for years. “Today, there is 24-hour electricity and water supply, which makes a huge difference for staff and patients,” he said.
Staff Welfare and Training
Beyond buildings, Ajayi is credited with prioritising staff welfare and career development. Dr. Omotola Obajulowo, Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), said world-class equipment and an open-door leadership style boosted staff morale.
For nurses, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Olatunde Ojo, said the CMD championed career progression and professional recognition. “We now have clear pathways from Chief Nursing Officer up to Director level, which has motivated the entire nursing workforce,” she explained.
Oladeji Oje, Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers Union, added that Ajayi cleared inherited arrears, upgraded health attendants through further education, and ensured consistent training and retraining programs.
A Lasting Legacy
Prof. Ajayi’s tenure is being celebrated as a period of renewal that not only enhanced patient satisfaction but also restored pride among staff. With his exit approaching, FETHI workers emphasise that his leadership has left a legacy of resilience, innovation, and excellence.
As Nigeria’s health sector continues to grapple with resource and staffing challenges, the FETHI story serves as an example of how visionary leadership can transform a teaching hospital into a model of service and patient-centred care.
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