The Lagos State Government has completed the renovation and expansion of the former CACOVID isolation centre at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, converting the facility into additional infrastructure to support the expansion of medical education in the state.
The facility was formally handed over to the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) at a ceremony attended by key government officials and health sector stakeholders.
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Those present included the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; LASUCOM Provost, Prof. Olufemi Idowu; Medical Director of the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Adedeji Olusola; and Director of the Project Monitoring Unit, Dr. Olusola Oduwoye.
The project was supervised by the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA) as part of the state government’s efforts to optimise existing public assets and address infrastructure gaps in critical sectors.
Speaking on behalf of the agency’s General Manager, Engr. Yemisi Aderibigbe, the Head of LASIAMA’s Project Management Unit, explained that the facility was originally constructed in 2019 as an isolation centre in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but became underutilised after the pandemic.
She said the decision to rehabilitate the facility followed the state government’s plan to transform LASUCOM into a full-fledged University of Medicine and Health Sciences while significantly increasing its student intake.
According to her, LASUCOM’s planned expansion from approximately 500 students to 2,500 by 2028 has created an urgent need for additional infrastructure, particularly as construction of the institution’s permanent campus continues.
Aderibigbe explained that the former isolation centre was identified as a suitable government asset that could be repurposed to provide an immediate infrastructure solution while the permanent campus is being developed.
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She disclosed that the state government approved the renovation and expansion project in December 2024 and awarded the contract to PCP Construction Nigeria Limited.
The project covered demolition and site preparation, substructure and structural works, roofing, walling, joinery, aluminium and metal works, fittings and finishes, as well as mechanical and electrical installations for the main and ancillary buildings.
Construction commenced in March 2025 and was completed under LASIAMA’s supervision.
Aderibigbe said the completed facility had satisfied the approved standards and quality requirements, paving the way for its formal handover to the Ministry of Health and LASUCOM for use.
She said the project demonstrated the government’s commitment to making effective use of existing public infrastructure to meet emerging needs in health and medical education.
“Today, we are therefore formally handing over this facility to the end users, the Ministry of Health and the Lagos State University College of Medicine, for optimal use,” she said.
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Aderibigbe also expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support for health and education infrastructure, while acknowledging the contributions of the Commissioner for Health, the LASUCOM Provost and the project contractor.
The handover is expected to support the state’s efforts to expand infrastructure for medical training and healthcare delivery while ensuring that existing public assets are adapted to meet changing demands.