History of Greater Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology
Overview
Greater Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology was established with a vision to transform healthcare education in Nigeria, particularly in the region of Edo State. The college was founded by Professor Sylvester Idogun, a distinguished Chemical Pathologist and passionate advocate for the development of the healthcare workforce. His commitment to improving healthcare services through education and training laid the foundation for what has become a beacon of excellence in health sciences education.
Email: communityhealth@greatergracecollege.com.ng
Website: www.greatergracecollege.com.ng
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The idea for Greater Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology was conceived in the early 2020s when Professor Idogun, after decades of service in academia and clinical practice, recognized a critical gap in the availability of trained health professionals, particularly in underserved areas. With the rapid expansion of healthcare services in Nigeria, there was an urgent need for institutions dedicated to producing well-trained, competent, and compassionate health professionals. Driven by this need, Professor Idogun, along with a team of like-minded professionals, embarked on the journey to establish a college that would not only train health workers but also instill in them the values of excellence, integrity, and service.
Greater Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology was officially established in 2024, in the vibrant city of Auchi, Edo State. The college was founded with the support of key stakeholders, including local healthcare leaders, government agencies, and educational institutions. The founders were committed to creating a modern institution that combined academic rigor with practical training, ensuring that graduates were well-prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare sector.
From its inception, the college set out to offer specialized programs that addressed the most pressing health needs of the community. Initial course offerings included Community Health Work, Public Health, Environmental Health, and Health Information Management. These programs were selected based on a thorough needs assessment of the local healthcare landscape, with the aim of producing graduates who could immediately contribute to improving health outcomes in the region and to introduce other relevant courses as the college grows.
The college’s campus was designed to provide a conducive environment for learning, research, and professional development. The initial phase of construction included state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, a library, and administrative offices. As the college grew, additional facilities will be added, including an e-library, an e-learning center, and residential accommodations for students and staff.
In its early years, the college focused on building strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities, government health departments, and international organizations. These partnerships were crucial in providing students with practical training opportunities, as well as in ensuring that the college’s curriculum remained aligned with current healthcare needs and standards.
Greater Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence. The college’s rigorous curriculum, combined with its emphasis on hands-on training, attracted students from across Nigeria and beyond. The college also placed a strong emphasis on faculty development, ensuring that instructors were not only experts in their fields but also skilled educators who could inspire and mentor the next generation of health professionals.
Within a few years of its establishment, the college achieved accreditation from relevant national regulatory bodies, a testament to the quality of its programs and its adherence to high educational standards. The accreditation process also paved the way for the college to expand its course offerings and to explore opportunities for international collaborations
Like any growing institution, Greater Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology faced its share of challenges. These included the need for continuous funding to support campus expansion, the recruitment of qualified faculty, and the establishment of a sustainable governance structure. However, the college’s leadership, guided by Professor Idogun’s vision, remained steadfast in its commitment to overcoming these obstacles.
As Greater Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology moves into the future, it remains committed to its founding mission of providing quality healthcare education that meets the needs of the community. The college continues to evolve, with plans to introduce new programmes, expand its research capabilities, and strengthen its ties with healthcare institutions both locally and internationally.
The college’s leadership is also focused on leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience, with ongoing investments in digital infrastructure, e-learning platforms, and virtual labs. These innovations are designed to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.
The legacy of Professor Sylvester Idogun is deeply embedded in the culture and ethos of Greater Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology. His vision of a college that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a spirit of service and compassion continues to inspire both staff and students. Under his guidance, the college has become a symbol of hope and progress in the region, a place where the next generation of healthcare leaders is being nurtured.
Greater Grace College of Health Sciences and Technology stands today as a testament to what can be achieved through vision, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. The college looks forward to many more years of growth and contribution to the health and well-being of communities across Nigeria and beyond.