APC’s Olamide Folorunso Amongst ’35 Global Healthcare Leaders’ Trained by University of Oxford

A United Kingdom-trained public health expert and former aspirant for the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Olamide Folorunso, has emerged as one of the 35 global healthcare leaders recently trained by the University of Oxford through its Executive Master’s in Global Healthcare Leadership programme.

With a career that spans roles at UNICEF, Gavi, and other international organizations, Folorunso is leveraging his global exposure to shape conversations around strategic healthcare delivery and leadership, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.

Reflecting on his academic journey from the University of Ibadan to Oxford, Dr. Folorunso described it as “interesting and continually fulfilling,” crediting the foundational experience in Ibadan and further training at University College London and Warwick Business School for preparing him for complex global health challenges.

He noted that the Oxford programme, completed alongside 34 other senior healthcare leaders from across the world, provided a transformative learning environment that deepened his understanding of systems leadership during a period of post-pandemic uncertainty and global health disruptions.

With his constituency, Akinyele/Lagelu in Oyo State, in mind, Dr. Folorunso emphasized the urgent need to bridge Nigeria’s widening rural-urban healthcare gap.

He highlighted the chronic underinvestment in rural healthcare infrastructure and called for targeted public-private partnerships, improved budget execution, and inclusive policy design that prioritizes underserved populations.

From Passion to Purpose: Dr Olamide Folorunso’s Rise as a Global Healthcare Leader

“No healthcare system can thrive without visionary leadership,” he said, noting that effective healthcare delivery requires multi-sectoral collaboration, empathy-driven governance, and strong political will.

Speaking on his growing political involvement, Dr. Folorunso underscored the intrinsic link between health and politics, especially at the grassroots level.

He expressed readiness to translate his leadership training and technical expertise into public service, should the opportunity arise to head a government health institution or represent his constituency at the National Assembly.

“My worldview is rooted in service,” he said. “We must be willing to bring global best practices home—not just to urban centers, but to the communities that have been left behind for far too long.”