This piece is from the stables of ADOLFRIC
EKITI STATE — Where Passion Meets Purpose in Healthcare.
At the just-concluded 2025 Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Annual General Meeting in Ekiti State, a compelling message of loyalty, purpose, and state-driven excellence echoed from one of Nigeria’s most distinguished medical minds — Professor Olofinbiyi Babatunde, Professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Adolescent Reproductive Health at Ekiti State University and the University’s Chairman, Senate Committee on University Ranking.
In a riveting extended interview granted to Ekiti Radio Nigeria and BSES, Prof. Olofinbiyi challenged the “Japa Syndrome” head-on with a heartfelt story that boldly repositions Ekiti State as the “Best Welfarist State” in Nigeria — and a beacon for healthcare development nationwide.
A LIFE COMMITTED TO EKITI: Not Just a Career, But a Mission.
From his undergraduate days, Prof. Olofinbiyi Babatunde made a radical personal vow: he would not leave Nigeria. His reason? “70% of what you need to succeed is already in your hands.” This belief — matched with diligence, purpose, and divine guidance — has kept him rooted in Ekiti State, transforming local health institutions, mentoring generations, and proving that global impact is possible from home.
_“You can control the world from anywhere,” he emphasized. “If your goals are backed by passion, discipline, and the love of your homeland.
A GOVERNMENT THAT BUILDS PEOPLE — ONE DOCTOR AT A TIME
From one administration to the next, Ekiti State has not only kept Prof. Olofinbiyi’s dream alive — it has supercharged it:Gov. Adeniyi Adebayo’s Administration (2002): Just four days after completing housemanship, he was employed (having been exempted from the Youth Service Corps due to age) as a Medical Officer — a rare fast-track launch that laid the foundation for his legacy. He received massive encouragement and unusual support from medical directors, bosses, mentors, mentees, and civil service administrators to write his qualifying exam for in-service training.
Gov. Ayo Fayose (Osoko)’s Government (2004): He became the first-ever Ekiti medical officer sponsored for specialist training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at OAU Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife — where he was made financially and psychologically comfortable in all ramifications.
Gov. Segun Oni’s Tenure (2010): Recognised his Residency Training Programme as equivalent to a PhD, awarding him a ₦500,000 scholarship! He was also sent to India for further specialization in Minimal Access Surgery, with about ₦3 million — his first time holding a million naira and boarding an airplane! This earned him a Diploma and global membership in the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons.
Gov. Kayode Fayemi (JKF)’s Administration (2014): Sponsored to attend a prestigious program on Diabetes in Pregnancy in San Francisco, USA — his first visit to America — which led to international collaborations and broadened his academic exposure.
Gov. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO)’s Government (Current):
Under the current administration, Prof. Olofinbiyi reached the peak of his academic career!! In 2024, he was appointed a Professor of Medicine — without delay — by the then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edward Olanipekun, a merit-driven leader and academic lifter. This milestone made him the first Professor of Medicine from his hometown, Iworoko-Ekiti, and from his secondary school, Otun Comprehensive High School, Otu-Ekiti!
The university, now under the leadership of Prof. Ayodele Babatola (the current Vice Chancellor), has continued to actively engage him — giving him the rare privilege of contributing to the global ranking image of the institution.
In addition, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, wife of the current Governor, has continued to uphold Ekiti’s legacy of women empowerment and girl-child rights. Through her initiatives, Prof. Olofinbiyi was given a platform to showcase his expertise in these areas.
Moreover, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Filani Oyebanji, has provided him with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to several result-oriented health policies and life-saving guidelines targeting maternal, perinatal, and under-five mortality reduction — as well as overall public health improvement across the state.
These recognitions have been complemented by continued merit-based support and strategic assignments from his primary ministry — the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services — and from related ministries such as Women Affairs and Education. These collaborations empower him to create lasting community impact, especially in the area of Social Work.
NO MASTER–SERVANT MENTALITY — A MODEL WELFARE SYSTEM.
Prof. Olofinbiyi praised Ekiti State’s leadership culture as highly democratic, non-toxic, and empowering. He commended both past and present governors, commissioners, administrators, and colleagues for cultivating a work environment where medical professionals are treated as partners, not subordinates.
_“May God keep our lives — I will not leave Ekiti State even if, God forbid, all our tertiary health centres become ordinary health posts! I am needed more here than abroad!!”
THE CHALLENGE TO OTHER STATES AND YOUNG MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.
Prof. Olofinbiyi Babatunde did not hold back in his challenge to healthcare professionals nationwide:
_“Let us stop measuring success by how far we run from home. The time has come for doctors, nurses, other health workers, and medical educators to build their roots in their states — just as Ekiti has done with pride and purpose.”
He urged state governments to emulate Ekiti by investing in their own, incentivizing local service, and building systems that prioritize people over profit.
EKITI STATE— NIGERIA’S TRAILBLAZER IN MEDICAL WELFARE AND CAPACITY BUILDING.
Today, Ekiti is not just building hospitals — it is building people. Prof. Olofinbiyi’s story reflects what’s possible when a government commits to nurturing homegrown excellence.
FINAL WORDS: Give Back. Stay Rooted. Dream Bigger. Build Yourself.
To young doctors and healthcare workers, Prof. Olofinbiyi Babatunde’s message is simple:
_“Don’t just seek to take from your state; give back. Make impact your priority, and the rewards will follow.”_
With this philosophy, Ekiti State has proven that the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system isn’t overseas — it’s already here at home, waiting to be nurtured!
Tosin Olowo,Director of Corporate Affairs and Social Responsibility,ADOLFRIC; https://adolfric.org.ng
