The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, has called for urgent national and international intervention to address the acute shortage of equipment and facilities plaguing Nigeria’s dental education sector.
Speaking as Guest Lecturer at the 50th Anniversary Fundraising and FICD Awards of the University of Ibadan Dental School, Barr. Lawal urged government bodies, private institutions, and foreign partners to prioritize investment in oral health infrastructure and dental training.
“The challenges of oral health in Nigeria are real, ranging from high prevalence of oral cancers and infections, to limited access to specialist care and inadequate training facilities,” Lawal said. “We must brace up as a country to truly address the shortage of equipment in dental schools nationwide.”
The acting governor emphasised that without investment in modern tools and training infrastructure, brain drain will persist, with young dental professionals continuing to seek better opportunities abroad.
“If they have what it takes to stay, they will focus on saving lives here,” he noted, underscoring the importance of fundraising efforts to upgrade clinics, expand research, and provide scholarships.
Lawal pledged continued support from the Oyo State Government to the University of Ibadan Dental School, describing it as a crucial partner in advancing oral health and strengthening public healthcare delivery.
“We will work with you hand-in-hand to promote research and support the next generation of dental professionals,” he assured.
The Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. W.L. Adeyemo, delivered the anniversary lecture titled “My Roots, Your Roots: Honouring Our Educational Background.” He lamented the exodus of dental professionals, attributing it largely to the lack of adequate training facilities and clinical tools. Also, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba, praised the Dental School as a “nest of opportunity” for nurturing competent and confident dental graduates.
“In-built in our culture is the passion to raise mature-minded professionals who are globally competitive. That excellence is coded in our roots,” he said.
Emeritus Prof. Samuel Omokhodion, President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide (ICOMAA), celebrated the school’s legacy since its founding in 1975, calling the event a “milestone in dental education in Nigeria.”
“ICOMAA stands with the faculty as it strives to become a world-class center for dental education and innovation,” Omokhodion affirmed.
Dignitaries present included Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Chief Launcher and BOVAS Group Chairman, Bamidele Samson, UCH CMD Prof. J.A. Otegbayo, Oyo State Information Commissioner Prince Dotun Oyelade, and a host of dental professionals from within and outside Nigeria.
