In an inspiring dialogue on the PSHAN Leadership Series podcast, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, recounted her unconventional journey into microbiology and called for bold private-sector initiatives to revamp Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
“I disliked microbiology as a medical student; it was one of my worst subjects,” Prof. Ogunsola admitted, sharing that her initial ambition was to specialize in pediatrics. Her path shifted following the death of a young patient from antibiotic-induced pseudomembranous colitis and the emergence of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s.
A nudge from her brother-in-law, a clinical microbiologist, further deepened her understanding of microbiology’s critical role. “Man proposes, and God disposes,” she reflected. “Since then, I’ve never looked back.”
Turning to Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, she highlighted systemic issues such as underfunding, brain drain, and reliance on public facilities that often lack resources. Prof. Ogunsola urged the private sector to collaborate with public institutions to bridge gaps in healthcare access. “The private sector has focused on high-end hospitals for a small elite, while the majority rely on public healthcare. Collaboration is essential to ensure accessible and equitable healthcare for all Nigerians,” she stated.
Prof. Ogunsola drew attention to successful public-private collaborations during the Ebola and COVID-19 responses as models for future initiatives. She advocated for sustained investments in health insurance, infrastructure, and local manufacturing to bolster Nigeria’s health systems. Addressing Lagos State’s progress in making health insurance mandatory, she emphasized the need for increased public awareness to combat skepticism and encourage wider adoption of affordable care solutions.
As a former chair of the WHO Guidelines Committee for Ebola, she highlighted the gap in evidence-based research tailored to Africa’s unique challenges. “Much of the data guiding health policies comes from high-income countries and does not address low-resource settings like Nigeria,” she said, urging greater investment in local research and stronger collaboration between academia, medical institutions, and the private sector.
Prof. Ogunsola also shared insights on navigating male-dominated fields, emphasizing that women must embrace their uniqueness and lead with confidence. “Women often feel the need to prove themselves twice as much. Once you establish your expertise, your gender becomes secondary,” she noted.
Hosted by Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh, Director of Policy at the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), the podcast episode offers a deep dive into Prof. Ogunsola’s transformative vision for healthcare. The full conversation is available on Spotify, Audiomack, and the PSHAN website, providing a blueprint for a healthier Nigeria and inspiration for future leaders.
