A two-day staff annual training seminar was held by the Lagos State Ministry of Health in association with the LASU Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV) and University Health Services on October 11 and 12, 2023, at the Aderemi Makanjuola Theatre Hall on the Main Campus and the University Health Services Conference Room in Ojo, Lagos, respectively.
The seminar, themed “Smart Health Care Delivery in the 21st Century,” commenced with a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, by the team heads, including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Victoria Omoira, Director Health Services, Dr. Nasir Ariyibi, and the Acting Director, CRPSGBV, Dr. Igot Ofem.
They were warmly received by the Acting VC, Prof. Adenike Omotunde Boyo, and other Management Staff.
In her opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor, represented by the DVC Administration, Prof. Adenike Omotunde Boyo, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Ministry of Health and other organizations for organizing such a valuable training.
She emphasized the importance of enhancing the knowledge and skills of practitioners to adapt to the ever-changing industry, making them more effective in their roles.
The Vice Chancellor also urged participants to embrace technology in healthcare services, including teleconsultations, electronic records, and the utilization of artificial intelligence for data analysis and disease predictions. Additionally, she highlighted the significance of creating a safe environment for students and staff, emphasizing the need to combat sexual and gender-based violence.
Director of Health Services, Dr. Nasir Ariyibi, extended his appreciation to the management, staff, and special guests for attending the 5th Annual Health Service Staff Training.
He commended the university’s commitment to providing optimal care for patients through the Health Service Centre. Dr. Ariyibi highlighted that this year’s training marks the first collaboration between the Health Centre and the sister organization, CRPSGBV, aimed at equipping staff with the necessary skills to deliver quality healthcare in the 21st century.
He also emphasized the university’s zero tolerance for sexual abuse and harassment, stating that the training aims to enlighten health workers in order to promote the welfare of staff and students.
During the seminar, the Guest Speaker and Senior Lecturer from the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Dr. Oyapero Afolabi delivered a comprehensive training session on various aspects of healthcare delivery.
Topics covered includes infrastructure, financing and budgeting, personnel issues, materials and consumables, staff satisfaction, development and advancement, patient satisfaction, and health-promoting facilities.
Dr. Sodipo Oluwajimi from LASUTH addressed the attendees on sexual assault, rape myths, and stereotypes prevalent in society.
He highlighted the increasing global incidence of sexual violence, which often stems from motives such as blackmail, punishment, curiosity, money, and power. Dr. Oluwajimi explained the definition of sexual assault and clarified that rape is a legal term reserved for cases involving non consensual penile penetration of a victim’s vagina, mouth, or anus.
He also discussed other forms of sexual assault, including forced or coerced penetration using body parts or objects, fondling, and being forced to touch another person’s genitalia. Dr. Oluwajimi provided recommendations on protecting survivors and reporting cases.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Smart Akintade. The 5th Annual Training Seminar focused exclusively on Core Health Workers and provided valuable insights and knowledge to enhance healthcare delivery in Lagos State.
