… Lauds Dr. Hassan’s N1bn Gift
Daud Olatunji
The Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, has described the N1 billion donation by renowned ophthalmologist, Dr. Kunle Hassan, for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Eye Institute and Professorial Chair in Ophthalmology as a model of vision, innovation, and national transformation in the Nigerian education and health sectors.
Speaking on Wednesday during the turning of the sod for the Kunle Hassan Foundation Eye Institute and the unveiling of the Professorial Chair in Ophthalmology at the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Sagamu Campus, Prof. Agboola said the project represents “excellence in all totality” and fits perfectly into the university’s “Three Es” vision — Education, Employability, and Enterprise.
“This is none of its kind — this is excellence and different in all totality,” the VC said. “We have a man of vision who has committed nothing less than N1 billion to this university — N500 million for a Professorial Chair in Ophthalmology and another N500 million for this international institute. The money is already in the bank.”
Prof. Agboola noted that the initiative would not only revolutionize medical education in Nigeria but also create opportunities that will help reduce medical brain drain, popularly known as the ‘Japa syndrome’.
“This institute will create more employment opportunities for our people and help reduce the Japa syndrome,” he said. “We are proud to have this kind of project that connects knowledge to service and national development.”
The VC revealed that the university was already taking steps to introduce a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Eye Health, a new programme designed to train mid-level professionals capable of serving in rural and underserved areas.
“The B.Sc. Eye Health programme is not yet in the NUC curriculum, but we will be proposing it,” Agboola said. “It will produce manpower that can reach the rural areas where eye doctors are scarce.”
He also announced plans to appoint an international scholar to occupy the newly endowed Professorial Chair, which will be domiciled in the Department of Ophthalmology, thereby expanding OOU’s research collaboration and academic reputation globally.
“The occupant of the Professorial Chair will be an international figure who will join our Department of Ophthalmology and become a member of our Senate,” he said. “That alone will raise our university’s ranking and research capacity.”
Highlighting the place of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future of medicine, Prof. Agboola said the institute would position OOU as a continental leader in AI-driven ophthalmic research.
“The future of medicine is transforming before our eyes,” he said. “AI can now diagnose retinal diseases early, predict visual disorders, and assist in complex surgical procedures. With this initiative, OOU is poised to become a leader in AI-driven ophthalmic innovation.”
The visibly elated VC described Dr. Hassan as “not just an eye surgeon but a visionary who sees beyond the retina into the deeper purpose of humanity.”
“Through dedication, innovation, and sacrifice,” Agboola said, “Dr. Hassan has built not just a medical institution, but a legacy of hope that will shape the future of education and healthcare in Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Dr. Kunle Hassan, Founder of the Eye Foundation Hospital and Chairman of the Board of Management of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), said his N1 billion donation was his personal contribution to strengthening health manpower development and reducing avoidable blindness in Nigeria.
He revealed that more than 4 to 6 million Nigerians are currently living with various forms of eye diseases, many of which are preventable.
“Nigeria currently has one eye doctor for about 500,000 people, whereas the World Health Organization recommends one to 15,000,” Dr. Hassan lamented.
“Over 4 to 6 million Nigerians are battling different eye challenges ranging from cataract and glaucoma to preventable blindness. That is alarming, and this project is meant to help fill that gap.”
He said the Kunle Hassan Foundation Eye Institute would train students at B.Sc., Master’s, and Ph.D. levels, producing professionals who can serve in underserved communities using telemedicine and modern technology.
“When you train middle-level manpower equipped with modern technology, they can go to the villages and use telemedicine to connect with specialists here at the institute,” he explained.
“We are building a team that will penetrate our communities to reduce preventable blindness in Nigeria.”
Dr. Hassan added that blindness carries significant social and economic costs not only for individuals but also for society.
“When someone is blind, it doesn’t affect that person alone,” he noted. “You have to get someone to lead the person around; the cost of blindness is huge. Preventing blindness improves productivity and national prosperity.”
He said the new institute, the first of its kind in any Nigerian university, would operate independently but in collaboration with OOUTH’s Ophthalmology Department.
“We want this project to set a standard for health education and public-private partnership in Nigeria,” he stated. “We are not just building for today; we are building for generations yet unborn.”
The philanthropist also disclosed that 50 residential chalets were being constructed to provide a conducive environment for staff of the new institute.
“Apart from the building itself, we are constructing 50 chalets for staff accommodation,” he said. “We want the institute to reflect excellence in all aspects — infrastructure, learning, and service.”
Among the dignitaries present were the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the OOU Governing Council, Prof. Toyin Ashiru; the Chief Medical Director of OOUTH, Dr. Bunmi Fatungase; and the Chairman of the Ogun State Elders Council, Pa Okuboyejo, alongside other university and hospital officials.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment