Lagos State Transforms CACOVID Centre into Premier Medical Training Facility for LASUCOM

The Lagos State Government has successfully renovated and expanded the former CACOVID Centre at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, repurposing it into a state-of-the-art infrastructure to bolster medical education in the region.

In a formal handover ceremony today, the facility was presented to the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM). 

Key attendees included the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Provost of LASUCOM, Prof. Olufemi Idowu; and Dr. Adedeji Olusola, Medical Director of the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba.

Supervised by the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), this project aligns with the state government's strategic initiative to optimize existing public infrastructure while new facilities are being developed.

Engr. Yemisi Aderibigbe, Head of LASIAMA's Project Management Unit, explained that the CACOVID Centre was originally built in 2019 as an isolation facility but became underutilized after the pandemic subsided. 

The decision to convert the center was part of a broader vision to transform LASUCOM into a full-fledged University of Medicine and Health Sciences, significantly increasing its student capacity. With plans to expand student intake from 500 to 2,500 by 2028, there was an urgent need for additional infrastructure.

The CACOVID Centre was identified as a short-term solution to meet this growing demand while the development of LASUCOM's permanent campus is ongoing. The state government approved the renovation in December 2024, awarding the project to PCP Construction Nigeria Limited.

The renovation scope involved comprehensive work, including structural enhancements, roofing, walling, and advanced mechanical and electrical installations. The contractor began work in March 2025 and completed the project under LASIAMA's supervision.

Aderibigbe confirmed that the newly renovated facility met all approved standards and quality requirements, paving the way for its formal handover. 

She emphasized the state's commitment to strategically utilizing existing infrastructure to address critical needs in healthcare and medical education. 

"This handover marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance medical education and healthcare delivery in Lagos," she stated.

Aderibigbe also expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support in improving health and education infrastructure. 

This transformation represents another pivotal step in expanding Lagos State's capacity to meet contemporary healthcare and educational needs effectively.