In a landmark move reflecting the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to revolutionizing healthcare delivery in Nigeria, Professor Wale Sulaiman, CON, a Canadian-U.S. trained neurosurgeon and prominent healthcare reform advocate, has been handed an additional three critical national healthcare committee appointments by Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister for Education.
These appointments are part of a broader strategy to reposition the Nigerian healthcare system in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Professor Sulaiman has been named:
* **Chairman, Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee for Medical Simulation**
* **Member, Ministerial Monitoring Committee on TETFund High Impact Intervention Projects for Medical Schools Rehabilitation across the Six Geopolitical Zones**
* **Member, TETFund National Research Fund Screening and Monitoring Committee (NRFS&MC)**
This development unequivocally underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of Professor Sulaiman’s innovative leadership and distinguished international pedigree.
Professor Wale Sulaiman’s illustrious medical journey spans over two decades across North America, Africa, and Nigeria. Trained in Canada and the United States, he rose to become a globally acclaimed neurosurgeon, academician, and healthcare executive, consistently earning accolades in these diverse areas. His unwavering dedication to medical excellence saw him lead several impactful initiatives aimed at bridging the healthcare disparity between the West and Africa, particularly through focused efforts in education and training, mentorship, and direct service missions.
His eventual return to Nigeria and subsequent appointment as Special Assistant on Health Matters to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, marked a significant turning point in the healthcare trajectory of Kwara State. Working closely with the state government, Professor Sulaiman introduced pragmatic reforms centered on innovative solutions, enhanced accessibility, improved quality, and greater efficiency in healthcare delivery.
Notably, his exemplary leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic earned widespread commendation from across the political spectrum. His strategic approaches to crisis management, surveillance, and robust stakeholder mobilization were critical to Kwara’s effective pandemic response. Upon his resignation from the state role, Governor AbdulRazaq, through his spokesperson Rafiu Ajakaye, publicly praised Professor Sulaiman for his “many positive contributions” and confirmed that the state would continue to consult him on health-related policies.
Beyond his contributions to Kwara State, Professor Sulaiman’s influence in shaping Nigeria’s broader healthcare and education landscape continues to grow. He was appointed the pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun (FUHSI). Under his visionary leadership, FUHSI is rapidly emerging as a model institution for healthcare education and medical research in West Africa.
Furthermore, as Chairman of the TETFund Adhoc Committee on Medical Simulation and Innovation, he has been instrumental in drafting a comprehensive national roadmap for simulation-based medical training. This initiative represents a game-changer for Nigeria’s medical education sector and is currently undergoing phased implementation under his continued chairmanship.
Professor Wale Sulaiman, CON, embodies the new wave of techno-political leadership that Nigeria urgently needs. His remarkable ability to translate global experience into locally relevant impact, all while maintaining a keen awareness of grassroots realities, has truly distinguished him as an invaluable national asset.
With these recent appointments, stakeholders across both the healthcare and education sectors eagerly anticipate a renewed push for sustainable reforms and advancements under his continued guidance.
