Preamble

Welcome to the Department of Psychiatry at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH). Our team of specialists, staff, and trainees is dedicated to delivering high-quality mental health care to the people of Ekiti State and surrounding areas. We strive to provide an environment conducive to teaching, training, and research, upholding values of integrity, excellence, and innovation.

History

Before 2008, mental health services in Ekiti State were limited. The Federal Medical Centre in Ido-Ekiti, established in 1998, was the only tertiary institution offering such services, along with minimal provisions at the State Specialist Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, which had no psychiatrist on staff. A few psychiatric nurses and a Principal Medical Officer provided care within a couple of side rooms on the hospital's medical wards.

In 2008, significant progress was made when the State Specialist Hospital was elevated to a teaching hospital, leading to the recruitment of consultant psychiatrists and resident doctors. By late 2008, a building complex was completed to house the new Department of Psychiatry at EKSUTH. Additional personnel, including consultant psychiatrists, resident doctors, psychiatric nurses, and clinical psychologists, were soon recruited. By 2009, the department was equipped to provide comprehensive mental health services to Ekiti State and neighbouring areas. In 2011, it received provisional accreditation from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

The first head of the department was Dr. Sakeeb Lateef Imam, who served until 2009, followed by Dr. Adetunji Obadeji (2009–2014), Dr. Lateef Olutoyin Oluwole (2014–2016), and Dr. Mobolaji U. Dada (2016–2018). Dr. Obadeji has resumed leadership since 2023. Chief Nursing Officers have included Mr. Ogundumi MF, Mrs. Agbaje JF, Mr. Omotoba JT, and currently, Mr. Ajiboye JK.

Services

The department operates 24-hour emergency services, in-patient care, and holds specialist clinics twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Additional services include addiction care and consultation-liaison services to other departments within the hospital. We partner with various governmental and non-governmental organizations to raise mental health awareness. Department members engage in media and community outreach, including work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on drug-related issues.

Operational Schedule

Mondays: Psycho-education, psychotherapy, counselling

Tuesdays: Specialist clinics, in-patient care

Wednesdays: Training, research, group therapy

Thursdays: Specialist clinics, in-patient care

Fridays: Community mental health services, mental health promotion