The Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) Advanced Medical Services Limited (Medserve), Dr. Tolulope Adewole, has called for urgent, impact-driven investments in Nigeria’s health sector, as critical levers for national prosperity.
He made the submission on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, while delivering the 6th Annual Arthur Mbanefo Lecture Series, in celebration of the 95th birthday of distinguished Nigerian, Sir Arthur Christopher Izuegbunam Mbanefo.
The high-powered intellectual gathering was held at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre (AMDRC), University of Lagos (UNILAG).
With the theme, A Healthy Nation is a Wealthy Nation: The Role of Impact Investments and Sustainable Financing in Nigeria, the lecture dissected the pivotal relationship between robust health systems and sustainable economic development.
Drawing from his experience at the helm of one of Nigeria’s foremost investment authorities, Dr. Adewole emphasized the importance of strategic capital allocation to healthcare infrastructure, human resources, and technology to public good and national economic development.
According to the University of Ibadan-trained practitioner, “investing in health is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic economic move as robust healthcare infrastructure catalyzes productivity and national development”.
Dr. Adewole pointed out the transformative potential of impact investments and sustainable financing in the healthcare sector.
In her address at the event, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, captured the essence of the day as an occasion of intellectual exchange and a moment of celebration.
With the annual lecture now holding a special place as a platform for scholarly dialogue in the University calendar, Professor Ogunsola affirmed that the annual lecture series has consistently ignited transformative ideas, shaping UNILAG’s strategic vision and re-inforcing its commitment to research-driven solutions for national challenges.
She highlighted the University’s transformative efforts in digitizing its academic and research ecosystem, driven by innovative hubs and a digital studio aimed at modernizing the entire campus.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that these initiatives were designed with students at their core, to foster skills in technology and innovation to prepare them for a digital economy.
Echoing Adewole’s call for sustainable financing, Professor Ogunsola, who is a medical Microbiologist pointed out UNILAG’s pivotal role in harnessing technology to advance health and economic progress. She underscored health as a national imperative, “as a healthy population is essential for progress”, and advocated for sustainable funding, cross-sector collaboration, and recognition of healthcare as a critical economic asset.
She praised Sir Arthur Mbanefo for his transformative philanthropy through AMDRC, which has reshaped the university’s leadership perspective. She also commended the Chairman and Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, Mr. Kolawole Adesina, MFR, FNSE, for his exemplary leadership and recent donation of a simulation laboratory to UNILAG.
Additionally, she expressed gratitude to AMDRC Board led by Mr. Ernest Ebi, MFR, for their steadfast support in sustaining the centre’s vibrancy since its official transfer to the university in 2020.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of AMDRC Board, Mr. Ernest Ebi, MFR, noted the remarkable legacy of Sir Arthur Mbanefo; Nigeria’s first chartered accountant and a distinguished statesman.
He highlighted Mbanefo’s enduring contributions and the pivotal role of the centre as a hub for innovation. Mr. Ebi also credited Mbanefo’s generous donation for sustaining the lecture series, now in its sixth year, which continues to tackle critical issues.
Mr. Kolawole Adesina, who expertly chaired the event, brought a pragmatic private-sector perspective to the occasion, thus underscoring the role of the corporate world in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare architecture.
A Grand Celebration: Arthur Mbanefo at 95
The event culminated in a celebration of Chief Arthur Mbanefo’s 95th birthday, marked by a symbolic cake-cutting and thunderous applause.
In his brief remarks, Chief Mbanefo, visibly moved, reflected on his lifelong belief in education as a tool for nation-building. His words: “It is my deepest joy to see this centre thrive and inspire new generations”.
The Odu of Onitsha added that “there is much to be said but it is my hope that this lecture series becomes not just a tradition, but a platform for action that will bring change to the nation”.
The day concluded with presentation of gifts to key AMDRC supporters including the Guest Lecturer, Dr. Tolulope Adewole, and immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancelllor (Development Services) Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, amongst others, acknowledging their vital support to the centre and the lecture series.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Joshua Michael
