Trailblazing appointment marks a milestone for women in Nigeria’s health administration
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has approved the appointment of Mrs. Olawunmi Florence Ladeji as the substantive and first female Director of Administration and Secretary to the Management Board of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta. Her appointment took effect from September 11, 2025.
According to a statement signed by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Ajibola Joseph Oluwatoyin Abiola, on behalf of the Provost and Medical Director, Mrs. Ladeji’s elevation followed her outstanding performance in a competitive interview conducted by the Ministry. The approval was conveyed through a letter from the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Abuja, with reference number SMH.547/T/92 dated October 17, 2025.
Born on January 15, 1972, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Mrs. Ladeji brings to her new role over two decades of experience in health administration and public service. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos in 1998 and a Master’s in Managerial Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 2008.
Her journey in the institution began in 2003 when she joined the hospital as an Administrative Officer II. Over the years, she has held several key positions including Deputy Director of Administration and Acting Head of Administration, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to service.
Mrs. Ladeji is a Doctoral Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM) and an Associate of the Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (AHSAN). She has also undertaken advanced training at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), and Egba New Initiative Foundation (ENIF).
She serves on several committees within the hospital, including the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory Internship Appointment Committee, and Crèche Management Committee. She also chairs the hospital’s Counseling Unit.
Recognised for her excellence in performance management and people-oriented leadership, Mrs. Ladeji is expected to work closely with the Provost and Medical Director in advancing the hospital’s mandate of clinical service delivery, research, and training.
Beyond her professional life, she enjoys listening to intellectual music, traveling, counseling, and reading. She is married to Pastor George ‘Segun Ladeji, and their union is blessed with children.
The appointment of Mrs. Ladeji is widely seen as a progressive stride towards gender inclusion and leadership diversity in Nigeria’s health administration system.
