Over a century in Saki

The mission years

1901 – 1969

1. 1901

   On 22 November, Rev. Duval arrives in Saki with the American Southern Baptist Mission, during the reign of Okere Oyedokun I. Miss Davey, Miss Donath and Rev. and Mrs. Powell join him.

2. 1902

   A preaching station is set up on the hill at Okeboji with Rev. D. O. Toogun and Olaosebikan. In May, Rev. and Mrs. Duval open a dispensary in their home for the converts.

3. 1909

   Four rooms are added: an outpatient department, a resting room, a laundry and a consulting room.

4. 1939–45

   Trained nurses, among them Miss Amanda Tinkle and Miss Mannie David, strengthen clinical services.

5. 1952

   With support from the Foreign Mission Board, the modern Baptist Hospital opens.

6. 1969

   Missionary doctors and nurses leave during the civil war. Mr. T. A. Ogunjimi, a nurse, runs the hospital.

Early missionaries

Medical directors

1970 – present

1970–1998

Chief Dr. Victor Olubi Fatunla, FRCS

The first Nigerian Chief Medical Director. The hospital grew from 40 beds to a 200-bed referral centre, recruited specialist staff and took on academic links with University College Hospital, Ibadan. Dr. E. R. Villaflor, from the Philippines, joined in 1980.

1998–2016

Chief Dr. T. O. Ojebode, MBBS, FWACP (FM)

Established the School of Medical Laboratory Technology and oversaw new teaching buildings and better access roads.

2016–present

Prince Dr. O. S. Adekanye, MBChB, FWACP (FM)

Has overseen accommodation for patients' families, full accreditation of the College of Nursing (2024), re-accreditation of the SMLT (2023), a new Midwifery Department, a 1,000-seat lecture theatre, solar power, and renovation of the paediatric and female wards and the theatre.