The evolution of the medical profession in Nigeria during the late colonial period and early post‑independence era, from the 1930s to the 1970s, marked significant advances in healthcare delivery, professional leadership, and the inclusion of women in medicine. Among the most prominent figures of this period were Chief Dr Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi, a pioneering obstetrician and gynaecologist, and Chief Dr Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi, the first female physician in Nigeria, whose contributions shaped the growth of specialist medicine and public health institutions.
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Background
Colonial Nigeria initially established healthcare services primarily to serve the needs of British officials, missionaries, and commercial enterprises, with local populations relying heavily on traditional medicine or missionary hospitals. Over time, public hospitals were developed to accommodate a broader population. Lagos Island General Hospital, founded in 1893, became the oldest general hospital in Nigeria, providing services in general medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and gynaecology. The hospital also served as a centre for training doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, making it central to Nigeria’s developing medical system.
During the mid‑20th century, Nigerian students increasingly pursued medical education abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland, returning home to practise and lead institutions. These professionals brought with them European training and techniques, while adapting them to local health needs, thereby laying the foundation for Nigeria’s post‑independence healthcare system.
Dr Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi: Specialist and Public Health Leader
Chief Dr Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi was born on 17 August 1916 in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He attended Abeokuta Grammar School and St Gregory’s College in Lagos before proceeding to Trinity College Dublin, where he earned degrees in anatomy, physiology, bacteriology, and clinical medicine. In Dublin, he worked as a house physician at the National Children’s Hospital and the Rotunda Hospital, gaining experience in obstetrics and gynaecology. He returned to Nigeria in 1943, joining the Federal Government Medical Services.
Majekodunmi became one of Nigeria’s foremost gynaecologists, contributing to clinical practice, professional development, and medical administration. He later participated in public service, serving as Federal Minister of Health and as a senator in the First Republic. In 1968, he founded St Nicholas Hospital in Lagos, a private medical institution providing specialist care in obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, general medicine, and surgery.
Majekodunmi’s legacy lies in his leadership in clinical practice, his contribution to institutional development, and his role in advancing specialist healthcare services in Nigeria. His career reflects the growing localisation of medicine in a field previously dominated by expatriate practitioners.
Dr Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi: Nigeria’s First Female Physician
Chief Dr Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi, née Akerele, was born on 11 November 1910 in Lagos. She received her early education at St Mary’s Catholic School and Queen’s College, Lagos, before travelling to Dublin to study medicine. In 1938, she graduated with first-class honours and distinctions from the University of Dublin, becoming the first West African woman to be listed as a Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Upon returning to Nigeria, Awoliyi joined Massey Street Hospital in Lagos, initially as a junior medical officer. She rose to become Chief Consultant and Medical Director from 1960 to 1969, overseeing obstetric and gynaecological services, and providing leadership in clinical practice and hospital administration. In 1962, the Federal Ministry of Health appointed her Senior Specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics, further recognising her professional expertise.
Awoliyi also contributed to women’s health advocacy through her involvement in social and professional organisations, including the Lagos branch of the National Council of Women’s Societies. Her career represents a milestone in the inclusion of women in medicine and the advancement of female leadership within Nigeria’s health sector.
Healthcare and Social Developments
The emergence of Nigerian medical specialists during the late colonial period corresponded with expanding public health infrastructure, particularly in urban centres such as Lagos. Hospitals increasingly offered specialised services for maternal and child health, reflecting the growing clinical capacity and urban population demand.
Professionalisation of medicine included overseas qualifications, membership of British and Irish medical bodies, and appointments in public service and hospital leadership. These developments strengthened Nigeria’s ability to manage healthcare services at independence and laid the foundation for modern specialist care.
The careers of Majekodunmi and Awoliyi highlight the combination of clinical expertise, institutional development, and social engagement. They exemplify how Nigerian professionals gradually assumed leadership roles, contributing to the localisation and professionalisation of medicine in the country.
The documented careers of Dr Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi and Dr Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi demonstrate the growth of specialist medicine in Nigeria during the late colonial and early post-independence period. Their contributions reflect progress in clinical care, institutional leadership, professional development, and gender inclusion. Their legacy continues to influence Nigerian healthcare, highlighting the importance of training, leadership, and professional excellence in nation-building.
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Author’s Note
This article presents the historically verified contributions of two pioneer Nigerian medical professionals, Chief Dr Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi and Chief Dr Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi. Their work in obstetrics, gynaecology, and hospital leadership represents an essential chapter in Nigeria’s medical history, illustrating the emergence of local expertise, professional leadership, and women’s participation in healthcare.
References
St. Nicholas Hospital official founder page, outlines his education in Dublin, specialist roles, and hospital founding.
The Nigerian Voice obituary/profile, provides medical publications, honours, and legacy details.
DAWN Commission biography
