…as renowned Ophthalmologist lifts Varsity with N1bn endowments
History was made on Wednesday, 29th October, 2025 as Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye and the Kunle Hassan Eye Foundation Academy (KHEFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to birth a N500million Professorial Chair in Ophthalmology and a N500million International Institute of Eye Health which would train a lot of middle-level technical manpower to tackle the growing challenge of eye problems in Nigeria. The twin projects, facilitated by a globally acclaimed Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Chief Medical Director, Eye Foundation Hospital Group, Dr. Adekunle Hassan, were domiciled and launched at the Sagamu Campus of the University.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, and Registrar, Dr. Bayo Orukotan, signed the MoU on behalf of the University at a ceremony held at the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences (OACHS), Sagamu, while Dr. Hassan, who is also the Chairman, Board of Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, signed for KHEFA alongside his wife, Yeye Otunba Adetola Hassan.
During his conferment with a honorary degree of Doctor of Science at the grand finale of the 34th Convocation Ceremonies of the University held last January, Dr. Hassan had announced aN1billion endowment for the institution, citing the imperative of giving back to the society.
Speaking after the turning of sod for the first-of-its-kind KHEFA International Institute of Eye Health, the renowned Ophthalmologist lamented the emerging prevalence of eye challenges in the country, saying over four to six million Nigerians are currently battling with preventable eye problems, including cataract, glaucoma and all sorts of eye infections. He also bemoaned the dearth of manpower to help in curbing the burden of blindness and other eye problems in the country. According to him, Nigeria has one eye doctor for every 500,000 people, whereas it should be one eye doctor for every 15,000 people in an ideal situation. Dr Hassan expressed concern over the burden of blindness in the country, pointing out that vision impairment affects productivity and has enormous effects on the prosperity of the nation.
He said, “Over 4 to 6 million people are battling with eye challenges in the country and most of them are preventable, like cataract, glaucoma, infections of the eyes, among others. And there is only one doctor to almost 500,000 population. In ideal situation, it should be one eye doctor to about 15,000. So, we have a lot to cover.
“That is one of the reasons behind setting up this sort of institute where you train a lot of middle technical manpower. With technology, they can be empowered to go to the villages to cover more areas and through telemedicine, relate it to a centre like this institute to know what to do.” “So, we are building a sort of team that can penetrate our communities to reduce the burden of blindness. You know once somebody is blind, it does not affect the person alone; you have to get a child to take the person around and that child won’t be able to go to school. When you look at the cost of blindness, it’s enormous.”
The Eye Foundation boss noted that when blindness is curbed, it would impact on productivity and the general prosperity of the nation. He, therefore, called for more public-private partnership towards ensuring access to qualitative eye care in the country.
Dr. Hassan further said, “One of my dreams from the beginning is not just to be in the private sector but to run a social enterprise model whereby anybody, irrespective of status, can get eye treatment.
“So, we are starting the institute with a minimum of N500million. Please don’t get me wrong, this money is not Kunle Hassan’s money. It is the Eye Foundation that is providing the funds. The Board and the shareholders bought into the idea and through the grace of God, we were able to create account and donations from members of the Board, including myself, that’s why we were able to get this N1billion to do this and ensure it comes to reality,” he explained.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, OOU, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, OON, expressed profound gratitude to the donor, saying his intervention was not only relevant but also urgent and necessary. He noted that with the initiative, the University was now positioned to be a continental leader in ophthalmic research and AI-driven medical innovation.
Prof. Ashiru posited that both the KHEFA Professorial Chair Endowment and the KHEFA International Institute of Eye Health go beyond infrastructure as they will advance ophthalmic research, expand specialisttraining, and deliver world-class eye care in Nigeria and beyond.
“Dr. Hassan is not just an eye surgeon. He is a visionary who sees beyond the retina and into the deeper purpose of humanity. Through dedication, innovation and sacrifice, he has built more than a medical institution – he has built a legacy of hope,” the Pro-Chancellor said while applauding the donor.
“You have demonstrated that greatness is not in what one owns but in the problems one solves. You have built hospitals, but more importantly, you have built people. You have restored not just sight, but dignity. And today, you have given this University a gift that will shape generations to come,” he submitted.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, praised Dr. Hassan for his donations, noting that they would boost the University’s academic achievements and research initiatives. He declared that the renowned Ophthalmologist became the second person to endow the University
with a Professorial Chair after the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona who instituted a Professorial Chair in Governance. As a result of the International Institute of Eye Health, the Vice-Chancellor hinted that the University may introduce BSc Eye Health as part of its academic programmes in consultation with the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“May the Kunle Hassan Eye Foundation Academy continue to illuminate paths of knowledge, compassion and community service. On behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff and Students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, I welcome you all to this epoch-making ceremony,” Prof. Agboola said while appreciating the dignitaries who gathered to witness the launch of the endowments.
In attendance at the historic event we’re the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olatundun Oderinde; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Oladipo Olubomehin; Registrar, Dr. Bayo Orukotan; Bursar, Mr. Olufemi Sowunmi; Chief Medical Director, OOUTH, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase; Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, who was represented by the Aminisan of Oko, Sagamu, Oba Odunayo Gabriel, and former Commissioner for Information in Ogun State, Chief Fassy Yusuf, among other eminent personalities.