Prof. John Okeniyi, Chief Medical Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), has advised secondary school students to consider careers in the health sector for a brighter and rewarding future.
Okeniyi gave the advice during a career talk held on Wednesday at the Clinical Skills Centre, OAU–OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, as part of activities marking the hospital’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Represented by Dr Akinjide Ogundokun, the Physician-in-Charge of the hospital, Okeniyi said the session aimed to help students make informed decisions about their future in the health sector.
He explained that healthcare is a collaborative profession that brings together doctors, nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, and physiotherapists, all working toward a common goal of providing quality care for citizens.
“The health sector thrives on teamwork; a tree cannot make a forest,” he said, urging the students to remain focused on their studies and avoid distractions that could hinder their success.
Chairperson of the OAUTHC 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, Prof. Macellina Ijadunola, appreciated the students, teachers, and professionals who supported the programme.
She said the theme of the anniversary, “Honouring the Past, Engaging the Present, and Shaping the Future,” reflects the hospital’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Ijadunola noted that many students struggle to choose the right career path, adding that the outreach aimed to guide and motivate them toward fulfilling healthcare careers.
“Not only doctors and nurses are needed in hospitals. There are several other professionals who contribute to delivering quality healthcare,” she said.
A dietitian, Mrs. Adetutu Akinnifesi, also encouraged students to explore dietetics as a career option, describing it as both rewarding and entrepreneurial.
“Dietetics offers opportunities to create food products that serve as medicine. If we make food our medicine, we will live healthier and longer,” she said.
During the event, professionals from different fields outlined the requirements and benefits of their professions, giving students practical insights into various healthcare careers.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Omolara Omisakin from Ife City College thanked the OAUTHC management and speakers for inspiring them to make informed career choices.
The event featured presentations on several healthcare fields, including medicine, nursing, environmental health, human nutrition, dietetics, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, medical rehabilitation, and medical laboratory science.
A total of 30 secondary schools participated in the event, including Adepeju Comprehensive College, Ife City College, Ife Anglican Grammar School, Oluorogbo High School, Ebenezer Baptist High School, School of Science, Oduduwa College, Seventh-Day Adventist School, and Henry Alex Duduyemi School.
