When Fola Akinrinlola returned to Nigeria in 2006, few people understood what a cardiac physiologist really did. Even fewer believed someone other than a cardiologist could perform an echocardiogram—a critical diagnostic test used to assess heart function. But Fola wasn’t new to this. She had just wrapped up eleven years of experience working in some of the best hospitals in the United Kingdom, where she trained and practiced as a cardiac physiologist.
A graduate of Economics from the University of East London, with a background in Physiology from the City of Westminster College, Fola had reached the top of her field, serving as Chief Cardiac Physiologist at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Surrey. But something kept calling her home. She gave up her high-ranking position in the UK and moved back to Nigeria to be part of the pioneer cardiac surgery team at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, Lagos.
Starting over wasn’t easy.
“When I came back, I sat around for six months. The consultant cardiologists just didn’t believe someone else could do echocardiograms besides them,” she shared. “They didn’t let us do anything at first. It was frustrating.”
But Fola held on. Over time, her skills spoke for themselves. She introduced the concept of cardiac physiologists performing echocardiograms in Nigeria and has since helped train dozens of cardiac professionals around the country. Her work helped shift the mindset within Nigerian cardiology and opened doors for others to follow in her footsteps.
Reflecting on her time abroad, Fola said the UK healthcare system was far more organized. Coming back to Nigeria required an entirely different mindset.
“Here, you’ll find yourself doing roles that are not even assigned to you. You have to be flexible. In Nigeria, if you’re not open-minded, you’ll burn out fast.”
One of the biggest issues Fola points to in Nigeria’s healthcare sector is funding. She explained that over 70% of Nigerians still pay for healthcare out-of-pocket, a major barrier to accessing quality treatment.
“If we could get national healthcare insurance right, it would change everything. People shouldn’t have to choose between buying food and seeing a doctor.”
Despite the challenges, she’s optimistic. One opportunity she believes could transform African healthcare is the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. She referenced a popular model used in India called the “Hub-and-Spoke” system, where a group of doctors or investors co-own a major hospital (the hub) while also running smaller clinics (the spokes). Patients are referred between the two, reducing cost and maximizing efficiency.
“It’s already starting in Nigeria,” she said with a smile. “Not everyone has to own a hospital. If we get this model right, we’ll improve access to specialized care.”
Fola isn’t just a pioneer—she’s also a mentor. When asked what advice she would give to women looking to break into healthcare or business, her answer was clear:
“Know your onions,” she said. “You have to do your homework, stay informed, and get mentors. Networking is also essential—it opens doors you didn’t even know existed.”
In terms of African countries making significant progress in healthcare, Fola pointed to South Africa and Kenya as leading examples. She hopes Nigeria and others can follow suit with better policy, investment, and innovation.
Lastly, she touched on the growing number of cardiac issues, especially among women. Sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and stress are leading causes of heart problems today.
“We’re seeing more heart disease in younger women. People sit too much, eat poorly, and don’t take time to care for their hearts. We need to educate more women on preventive healthcare.”
Fola Akinrinlola’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and vision. She returned home when it would have been easier to stay abroad. She fought to prove her worth in a male-dominated, misunderstood field. And she’s still pushing for better, not just for herself—but for all Nigerians.
