Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology, Ile-Ife

Overview

Founded in 2019, the Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology, Ile-Ife (SDACOHT) is a boarding institution focused on health and technology education. Located in Lagere, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, it is operated by the Western Nigeria Union Conference. The college occupies 20 hectares of land, sharing the site with the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital Ile-Ife (SDAHI).¹

SDACOHT was established by the administrators of SDAHI and offers various programs, including training for Community Health Extension Workers, Medical Laboratory Science Technicians, Health Information Management, Medical Health Technology, Environmental Health, Junior Community Health Extension, and Health Assistance.²

Development that Led to the Establishment of the College

Before 2019, Dr. Herb Giebel, the Chief Medical Director of Seventh-day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife, along with other interested stakeholders, envisioned the establishment of a College of Health Technology. However, logistical challenges and the numerous requirements for setting up a health college in Nigeria hindered the realization of this dream.³

The initiative was revived in 2019 when the three principal officers of Seventh-day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife—Dr. Oludayo A. Olosunde, the Chief Medical Director; Elder Peter G. Ehuwayijomo, the Business Manager; and Elder Samson B. Popoola, the Director of Nursing Services—had an informal discussion under the almond trees in front of the hospital’s administrative block. The conversation, which focused on addressing the shortage of healthcare workers in Nigeria, was formalized when Dr. Olosunde, described by the pioneering provost as an "aggressive pursuer," presented a proposal to establish the Adventist College of Health Technology to Pastor (Prof.) Oyeleke Alabi Owolabi, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of Seventh-day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife, for consideration by the Board.⁴

The Seventh-day Adventist Hospital Board reviewed and approved the proposal in July 2019. This approval to establish the College of Health and Education Technology prompted the hospital’s officers to seek and secure permission from the Osun State government and relevant federal health agencies on August 5, 2019.

Founding of the School

While the team was seeking funds to construct buildings, God led them to a non-Seventh-day Adventist philanthropist and friend of the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife, Princess Olayinka Sijuwade. She generously donated $100,000 towards the establishment of the college. Her donation enabled the construction of an administrative block and six classrooms, all equipped with solar energy to provide electricity backup. Princess Olayinka Sijuwade's contribution echoes the goodwill of Oba Aderemi Adesoji, who in 1939 donated $1,000 and leased 40 acres of land. This land now houses the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife, the Seventh-day Adventist School of Nursing, and, later, the College of Health Technology.⁵

The college started with a modest enrollment of 76 students, 14 pioneering staff members, and four key departments: the Community Health Extension Workers Training, Medical Laboratory Technician Training, Health Information Management, and Pharmacy Technician Training programs. Each accreditation received from various professional bodies is considered a testament to God's favor, allowing the college to offer quality education that meets national standards.⁶

Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology has earned accreditation from several respected bodies, ensuring that its programs meet national standards for health education. The key accrediting bodies for the college are as follows:

• The Community Health Practitioner Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) accredited the Community Health Extension Workers Training Program in 2020.

• The Pharmacy Technician Training Program received accreditation in 2020.

• The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) granted accreditation to the Medical Laboratory Technician Training Program in 2021.

• The Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN) accredited the Health Information Management Department in 2021.

These accreditations not only validate the quality of education offered but also improve the employability of graduates in various healthcare sectors.

The college serves the entire constituency of Western Nigeria Union Conference as well as students from Northern Nigeria Union Conference and Eastern Nigeria Union Conference. Its Board of Trustees is made up 28 members. The president of Western Nigeria Union Conference is the Board Chair.

History of the School

On February 29, 2020, the Governing Council of the College of Health Technology was officially inaugurated by Pastor (Prof.) Oyeleke Owolabi, the then President of the Western Nigeria Union Conference. The Pioneer Principal Officers elected were Elder Samson B. Popoola as Provost, Elder Barrister Henry Odunayo as Deputy Provost for Administration and Registration, Mrs. Funso A. Ojo as Deputy Provost for Academics, Pastor Matthew Bambi as Deputy Provost for the Division of Spiritual Life, Pastor Tobi Owolabi as Deputy Provost for Student Affairs, and Deacon Ayodele Tinuoye as the Accountant.

Since its establishment in 2019, the college has experienced notable growth in both its course offerings and student enrollment. In 2020, the college received accreditation for the Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) Training Program, which allowed for an increase in student quotas to 50 Senior CHEWs, 25 Junior CHEWs, and 25 retraining students for a three-year period. In 2021, the Medical Laboratory Technician Training Program was accredited with an intake capacity of 30 students. The Health Information Management Department also gained accreditation, with a quota of 50 students per intake. By 2023, a re-accreditation of the CHEW Training Program increased the quotas further, with 75 Senior CHEWs and 50 Junior CHEWs accepted for a five-year period. These expansions reflect the college’s commitment to enhancing its educational offerings and its ability to meet the growing demand for skilled health professionals.

Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology primarily offers professional certificates through its accredited programs. However, recent decisions by various government boards overseeing professional training programs have led to a significant shift toward offering higher qualifications. The institution has received approval from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to elevate its programs to National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels. This upgrade is expected to enhance the academic standing of graduates and improve their career prospects in the healthcare sector.

To support its educational mission, the college is equipped with modern facilities that facilitate effective learning. These include a block with eight standard lecture rooms designed to accommodate various class sizes, as well as ten lecturers’ offices that provide faculty with dedicated spaces for preparation and consultation. The college also has a well-equipped demonstration room for practical training sessions, a laboratory with necessary tools and equipment for teaching, and an information and communication technology facility that supports digital learning initiatives. Additionally, the well-stocked library provides students with access to essential resources for their studies.

These facilities help deliver high-quality education and ensure that students are well-prepared for their professional roles. The academic staff at SDACOHT consists of 20 educators dedicated to providing quality education and mentorship. Their expertise spans various fields within health technology, enabling them to offer comprehensive training that meets industry standards while integrating faith and learning.

When Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology was established, its primary aim was to equip Adventist youth in Nigeria. However, over time, both Adventist and non-Adventist students from various parts of the country have sought the college's Christian-based, high-quality health education. The college attracts students due to its strong values and standards, which are reflected in the care, support, and commitment of its faculty and administrators to students' success and well-rounded education.

The college also engages in community-based services that educate and raise awareness in its host and neighboring communities on topics such as livelihood, nutrition, and mental and community health. These programs not only improve the welfare and wellbeing of society but also support the mission of the Church. Additionally, the college’s in-reach programs, such as the biannual Week of Prayer, introduce non-Adventist students to Adventist faith.

Fulfilling Its Mission

Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology must consistently be guided by its mission, vision, and philosophy of education in all its services and offerings, fostering the growth of the mind, heart, and hands of its students. It should proactively address the needs of healthcare providers by ensuring effective services. The college must continue to uphold Christian values and prioritize the Word of God as the infallible source of knowledge and essential for character development.

Sources

Alao D. O, ed. 90 Years of Adventism in Nigeria 1914-2004, A Compendium. Lagos: Nigeria: Communication and/PARL Department of Seventh-day Adventists, 2004

Babalola, D. O. On Becoming a Conference. Ibadan, Nigeria: OSB Design Limited, 2002.

“Course,” Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology, accessed December 11, 2024. https://sdacoht.edu.ng/index.php/courses2

Ezekiel A. Atolagbe. “Western Nigerian Union Conference.” Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists, January 29, 2020. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/assets/pdf/article-3C2M.pdf.

Olawuyi Ola D. “Ile-Ife.” Encyclopedia of Seventh-Adventists, March 23, 2021. Accessed January 22, 2025. https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/article?id=4G7B

Senne-Aya, Michael A. T. “Seventh-day Adventist Hospital Ile-Ife.” Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists, December 7, 2020. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/article?id=EC2N&highlight=y.

Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology 2022/2023 Matriculation. Accessed January 21, 2025. https://web.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=648979353685741.

Seventh-day Adventist Yearbook. Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press, 2024.

Western Nigerian Union Mission History accessed January 21, 2025. https://wnucadventist.org/wnuc-history/.

Notes

1. Samson B. Popoola, pioneering Provost of Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology, interview by the authors, December 10, 2024, at the college premises, Ile-Ife.↩

2. “Courses,” Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology, accessed December 11, 2024. https://sdacoht.edu.ng/index.php/courses2.↩

3. Samson B. Popoola, pioneering Provost of Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology, interview by the authors, December 10, 2024, at the college premises, Ile-Ife.↩

4. Ibid.↩

5. Ola D. Olawuyi, “Ile-Ife,” Encyclopedia of Seventh-Adventists, March 23, 2021, accessed January 22, 2025, https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/article?id=4G7B.↩

6. Samson B. Popoola, pioneering Provost of Seventh-day Adventist College of Health Technology, interview by the authors, December 10, 2024, at the college premises, Ile-Ife.↩