Nigeria’s Health Tech Revolution: A chat with Sunday Mathew Aduloju

In Nigeria’s ever-evolving health sector, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience: Sunday Mathew Aduloju. A visionary in health informatics, his remarkable contributions have revolutionised health systems in the country. From building the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal to pioneering technical support for systems like SORMAS (Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System), […]

In Nigeria’s ever-evolving health sector, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience: Sunday Mathew Aduloju. A visionary in health informatics, his remarkable contributions have revolutionised health systems in the country. From building the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal to pioneering technical support for systems like SORMAS (Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System), Mr. Aduloju has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s health tech transformation.

I had the privilege of meeting him at the airport upon his return from the United Kingdom, where we delved into his journey, insights, and challenges in the field of health technology.

Q: Mr. Aduloju, you’ve been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s health tech landscape. What would you say is the secret behind the success of your projects?

“To be honest, success boils down to two key elements: financial support and the political will of the organisations involved. During my time supporting the NCDC’s SORMAS system under Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu’s leadership, it was clear that the Director-General’s unwavering support made all the difference. He trusted the vision, and with multiple partners funding the project, we focused on one goal: keeping the country safe by ensuring real-time disease surveillance and data availability for decision-making.”

Q: The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining period for health systems globally. Your work on the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal was pivotal for Nigeria. Can you share more about that experience?

“It was a challenging yet rewarding experience. The portal didn’t just help Nigeria navigate the pandemic; it became the backbone for ensuring safe travel documentation and vaccination verification both during and after the pandemic. The goal was simple: to build a system that worked efficiently and could serve the nation’s needs. With the right team and support, we achieved that.”

Q: You also played a critical role in developing the EMID system at the NPHCDA. What was that journey like?

“Working on EMID (Electronic Management of Immunisation Data) was one of the most intense but fulfilling periods of my career. Under Dr. Faisal Shuaib’s leadership at the NPHCDA, it was all hands on deck. The Executive Director himself coined the name ‘EMID’ and declared the system’s development a top priority. He mobilised all key partners—WHO, UNICEF, US CDC, AFENET, and others—for daily meetings to ensure progress.

Dr. Faisal’s dedication was unparalleled. He would call late at night, asking what else needed to be done to improve the system. Today, EMID is operational in almost every health facility in Nigeria. It has the potential to solve one of our biggest challenges—accurate denominator data for immunisation. If we can register every child at birth through EMID, we’ll know exactly how many need vaccinations and where resources are required. That’s the dream.”

Q: Innovation often faces resistance. What challenges did you encounter while leading these projects?

“Like every organisation, there are always challenges, especially what I call the ‘humanware’ factor. Some colleagues were skeptical, and there were moments of resistance—whether due to differing opinions or perceptions of ego when approaching leadership directly. But I’ve always believed in staying focused.

For example, when I needed solar-powered systems for failovers, I bypassed the bureaucratic delays by speaking directly to directors and partners to secure support. Some might see that as unconventional, but innovation thrives on boldness. You can’t let civil service bureaucracy stifle progress.”

Q: What about corruption? Has it impacted your work?

(Pauses thoughtfully) “It’s a tough topic. Let’s just say that not everyone will support you when you’re doing the right thing. Some will even go to the extent of writing to your funders or employers to sabotage your efforts, simply because your solution doesn’t come with the ‘fancy’ billion-naira price tag they prefer.

But here’s the truth: as long as the leadership is determined and the political will exists, you can overcome these challenges. Integrity and focus are key. I’ve always said, ‘The software isn’t the problem—it’s the humanware.’ Leadership determines whether a project thrives or fails.”

Q: As the Chief Technical Officer of Mirabilia Nigeria Limited, what’s next for you?

“At Mirabilia, our philosophy is simple: ‘If you can think about it, we’ll build it.’ Innovation knows no limits. My focus now is on creating solutions that address real challenges in our health sector. Systems like EMID, which I believe can transform how we manage immunization and health data, hold immense promise.

There’s still so much to be done, but with the right partnerships and determination, nothing is impossible.”

Q: Any final words for aspiring health informaticians?

“Be bold, be focused, and never let challenges deter you. Innovation requires perseverance, especially in an environment like ours. Always remember: the humanware is just as important as the software. Collaborate, stay ethical, and aim to create solutions that truly make a difference.”

Sunday Mathew Aduloju is more than a name in Nigeria’s health tech ecosystem; he is a symbol of resilience and innovation. Through his work, he has proven that with the right vision, support, and determination, we can build systems that save lives and redefine possibilities.