Amid a growing burden of neurological disorders in Nigeria, a neuro-specialist facility in Ibadan led by Dr. Temitope Farombi has provided insight into both progress and persistent gaps in care. Within one year, the centre has managed over 160 neurocritical cases, with stroke accounting for about 60 percent, reflecting national trends where stroke remains the leading neurological condition.
Nigeria continues to record high stroke incidence, driven largely by uncontrolled hypertension, late hospital presentation, and limited access to specialist care.
Available data indicate that neurological disorders contribute significantly to morbidity across the country, with stroke prevalence in some communities estimated at about 7 per 1,000 people. In Southwest Nigeria, including Oyo State, the burden is further compounded by rising cases of dementia, spinal disorders, and other non-communicable diseases linked to lifestyle changes.
Despite this, Nigeria has fewer than one neurologist per million people, leaving a wide gap in access to expert care, particularly at the sub-national level.
At the Ibadan facility, a 100 percent survival rate in
brain tumour cases and over 80 percent patient retention underscore the impact of early intervention, teamwork, and structured rehabilitation. The centre has also treated conditions such as autism, multiple sclerosis, and rare neurological disorders, with cases cutting across all age groups, including children.
However, many patients still present late, reducing chances of full recovery and increasing the cost of care.
Government efforts to address the rising burden have largely focused on broader non-communicable disease control, including policies targeting hypertension, improved primary healthcare services, and ongoing investments in tertiary institutions like the University College Hospital in Ibadan.
In Oyo State, health sector reforms and insurance schemes have aimed to improve access, but stakeholders say neurological care remains under-prioritized, with limited dedicated stroke units, rehabilitation centres, and public awareness campaigns.
Experts stress that while isolated successes like the Ibadan centre demonstrate what is achievable, a coordinated national response is needed. This includes increased funding for neurological services, training of specialists, expansion of diagnostic and rehabilitation infrastructure, and aggressive public health campaigns on stroke prevention and early symptoms.
Dr. Farombi maintains that strengthening collaboration between government and private specialists will be key to reversing current trends. As Nigeria faces a steady rise in neurological conditions, expectations remain high for policies that move beyond general healthcare improvements to targeted neurocare interventions capable of reducing mortality and long-term disability.
