THE HUMBLE BEGINNING OF BOWEN UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

London-born Dr. George Green and his wife Lydia arrived in Ogbomoso on March 18, 1907, from the United States of America. With a modest start, they brought:

  • Green’s personal medical instruments
  • Some essential drugs
  • Fifty dollars (provided by the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention)

 

The newly married couple settled into the house of Rev. C. E. Smith had built 25years earlier (near the present Antioch Baptist Church).

Their mission was to establish medical work in Nigeria, laying the foundation of what became the Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State Formerly Baptist Medical Centre, Ogbomoso.

The first successful operation marked the beginning of the Baptist Medical Centre on March 18, 1907 which was eventually transformed into Bowen University Teaching Hospital on December 1, 2009.

INITIAL GROWTH (1909-1911)

Two years after their arrival, the Greens relocated to a new house, which served as both their residence (top floor) and the hospital (ground floor).

EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT (1911)

When a missionary departed, a separate house became available. However, the growing ministry required additional space. Thatched sheds were constructed on each side of the house, serving as separate wards for male and female patients.

EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT (1917-1959)

In 1917, the young women of the WMU of Virginia, Mrs. Green’s home state, provided the initial funds for permanent buildings. Additional funding was secured through a special campaign by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1919. The Executive Committee of the Baptist Mission approved the building plans in 1921, and the cornerstone was laid in December of that year.

Dr. E.G. Maclean supervised the initial construction and Rev. H. P. McCormick completed the project. The Baptist Hospital was dedicated and opened on July 4, 1923.

The original mud buildings served the community for 36 years until they were demolished to make way for the current facility, which was dedicated on August 16, 1959.

GROWTH AND DIVERSIFICATION

Over the years, the hospital after becoming a teaching hospital expanded its services to include:

  • Training program for general medical practitioners, nurses, and housemen.
  • Treatment of Hansen’s disease and tuberculosis patients.
  • Care for motherless babies and malnourished children
  • Dental care services

Today, the hospital continues to grow and provide comprehensive healthcare services to the community.

CONSTITUENT PARTS OF BOWEN UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (BUTH)

  1. Baptist Hospital, Ogbomoso (1907).
  2. Kersey Children’s Home, Ogbomoso (1926, integrated into BUTH 1988)
  3. Baptist Health Service, Ogbomoso (1930)
  4. Baptist Dental Clinic, Ogbomoso (1940)
  5. Staff Nursery and Primary School (1986)
  6. College of Nursing Sciences, Ogbomoso (formerly School of Midwifery, Baptist School of Nursing, Ogbomoso, transitioned 2024)
  7. George Green Baptist College, Ogbomoso (2004)

RESIDENCY TRAINING DEPARTMENTS:

  1. Family Medicine
  2. Obstetrics and Gynecology
  3. Paediatrics
  4. Medicine
  5. Surgery

The College of Health Sciences was established through the efforts of Professor Timothy A. Olagbemiro, the then Vice- Chancellor. The National Universities Commission (NUC) approved the establishment of the College in 2008.

ACCREDITED PROGRAMS

  • MBBS
  • (Bachelor of Nursing Science)
  • Physiotherapy Department
  • Medical Laboratory Science

PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES

The College’s philosophy is to provide a sound professional basis for training medical scientists and health-related workers. The objectives include:

  • Developing comprehensive knowledge of health and health-related problems.
  • Providing in-depth knowledge of medicine, clinical skills and aptitude.
  • Producing medical doctors who integrate faith with medical practice and promote Christian ethics.

LEADERSHIP AND HISTORY

The College has had several leaders, including:

  • Professor Wale Akinsola (Foundation Provost)
  • Professor Olufunso O. Olorunsogo (Acting Provost)
  • Professor Oluwole A. Adebo (Provost)
  • Professor J. Bayonle Fakunle (Foundation Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences)
  • Professor T. A. Adewole (Provost and Chief Medical Director)
  • Professor A. O. Soladoye (Provost)
  • Professor S. U. Eyesan (Provost and Chief Medical Director)
  • Professor Olubiyi
  • Professor O. T. Awotunde (Current Provost)

MILESTONES

  • 2008: NUC approval for the establishment of the College
  • In 2009, First student intake
  • In 2012, Accreditation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
  • In 2016, Re-Accreditation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
  • In 2022, Re-Accreditation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
  • In 2024, over 1,000 students graduated from the College of Health Sciences.

Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso has over 400 Bed capacity with about 800 entire staff members. The hospital is currently under the leadership of Prof. S. A. Adegoke, the Chief Medical Director who commenced duty on 2nd January, 2025 following the approval of the current BUTH Management Board.