Tinubu Praises as Alhaja Gbajabiamila Unveils ₦2.5 Billion Trust Fund for Nurses

By Fellow Nurses Africa
Published: 31 January 2026

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s healthcare education sector, Alhaja Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila, the 96-year-old matriarch and pioneering nurse, has unveiled a ₦2.5 billion trust fund aimed at supporting the development of nursing professionals. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Summit University in Offa, Kwara State, where she was conferred an honorary Doctor of Science in Business Administration.

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President Bola Tinubu has commended the initiative, highlighting its potential to inspire future generations of caregivers and leaders in the nursing field. The fund, dedicated to the newly named Lateefat Gbajabiamila College of Nursing, underscores a commitment to enhancing training and resources for nurses amid Nigeria’s ongoing healthcare challenges.

Ceremony Highlights and Fund Launch

The event, held on Saturday, celebrated Alhaja Gbajabiamila’s remarkable contributions to public service and healthcare. As a UK-trained nurse and the first female elected executive chairman of a local government in Lagos State, her career has been marked by trailblazing achievements in women’s empowerment and community development.

In her acceptance speech, Alhaja Gbajabiamila described the college as a “sanctuary where young women and men will be trained to heal, to lead, and to serve with compassion.” She called on well-wishers to contribute to the fund, which her son, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Tinubu kickstarted with a ₦200 million donation.

Attendees, including university officials, politicians, and industry leaders, praised her legacy. Prince Mosediq Adeniji-Kazeem, President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, urged others to emulate her principled leadership in building impactful institutions for humanity.

Presidential Endorsement and Broader Implications

President Tinubu, in a statement released by his adviser, Bayo Onanuga, felicitated Alhaja Gbajabiamila on her honorary doctorate and the college’s naming in her honour. He noted: “The naming of the Lateefat Gbajabiamila College of Nursing ensures that Mama Gbaja’s legacy of compassion, discipline, and service will continue to inspire future generations of caregivers and leaders.”

This endorsement from the highest office highlights the national importance of investing in nursing education, especially as Nigeria grapples with a shortage of skilled healthcare workers. According to health experts, such initiatives could help address the brain drain in the sector, where many nurses seek opportunities abroad.

Expert Analysis: Advancing Nursing Education in Nigeria

This inniative is a pivotal step towards professionalising nursing in Nigeria. The ₦2.5 billion allocation could fund scholarships, modern facilities, and curriculum enhancements at Summit University, fostering evidence-based training that aligns with global standards.

Nigeria’s nursing workforce faces challenges like inadequate infrastructure and limited access to advanced education. Investments like this not only honour individual legacies but also advocate for systemic improvements. By prioritising compassion and leadership as Alhaja Gbajabiamila exemplified such funds can empower nurses to drive healthcare innovation, reduce maternal mortality rates, and strengthen primary care systems.

Advocacy groups, including Fellow Nurses Africa, have long called for increased funding in healthcare education. This trust fund sets a precedent, encouraging philanthropists and policymakers to prioritise nursing as a cornerstone of public health.

Looking Ahead

The Lateefat Gbajabiamila College of Nursing represents more than a building, it’s a beacon for aspiring healers. With ongoing contributions, it could transform nursing training in Kwara State and beyond, contributing to Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals in health.

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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa