Dr. Audu Musa Idowu is a distinguished doctor of medicine, visionary health entrepreneur, and renowned public health leader whose remarkable contributions have strengthened health systems and transformed countless lives across Nigeria and beyond.
As Chairman and Founder of the Ashmed Group of Health Companies, he leads one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing private health networks, comprising Ashmed Specialist Hospitals and the Ashmed Integrated Health Service Insurance Company.
2. Early Life & Foundational Background
A native of Koro, Ekiti local government area of Kwara State, Dr. Audu has demonstrated exceptional leadership and community consciousness from an early age.
His commitment to service began long before graduation, setting the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to humanitarian and public health excellence.
3. Education & Professional Training
Dr. Audu earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Ilorin before pursuing advanced studies in public health.
He obtained his Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2003, followed by specialized training in Health Systems Management at the Galilee Institute of Management, Israel, in 2012.
He is also a Fellow of the African Institute of Public Health (FAIPH).
4. Career Journey & Professional Service
Dr. Audu’s public health career began in an extraordinary way when, as a 400-level medical student, he was appointed Coordinator of the Family Life Education Programme for the EEC/FGN-sponsored Middle Belt Programme (1994–1996), covering Kwara, Kogi, and Niger States.
He has since served in key national and international capacities, including:
Vaccine Security and Logistics Officer, UNICEF (Abia, Kebbi, Benue States)
State Coordinator, World Health Organization (Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Borno)
Head of Surveillance and Point of Entry, WHO Country Office, Nigeria (COVID-19 Response)
Provincial Team Lead and National Technical Officer, WHO Polio Eradication Initiative, Pakistan
Currently, he is the Deputy incident Manager (DIM) for Polio Eradication.National Emergency Operations Center Abuja(NEOC)
His leadership in Borno State during polio and humanitarian emergencies was pivotal to Nigeria interrupting polio transmission and Africa achieving polio-free certification.
5. Major Achievements
As Chairman of Ashmed Group, Dr. Audu has built one of the largest networks of private specialist hospitals in Nigeria, with eight branches across six states. His establishments currently employ over 500 staff, contributing significantly to healthcare delivery and national economic growth.
His health insurance company, Ashmed Integrated Health Services HMO is nationally accredited and serves a growing base of beneficiaries.
6. Humanitarian & Community Service
Dr. Audu is a committed humanitarian, he initiated the Sight-Saving Programme in 2006 in partnership with Sight Savers International, an initiative through which thousands of residents of Ekiti and Oke-Ero LGAs regained access to quality eye care.
He has supported numerous free medical outreaches across Kwara South and continues to invest in community health initiatives.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Audu further demonstrated exceptional community leadership by providing an entire trailer of relief packs to communities ensuring that vulnerable households had critical supplies at a time of national hardship.
In 2020, he founded the Dr Audu Grand Charity Youth Development, an NGO that provides educational sponsorships for Kwarans and Non Kwarans, healthcare support, social welfare, and economic empowerment.
The foundation has supported school staff salaries in selected schools and has returned many out-of-school children to classrooms across Kwara, Borno, and Kaduna States.
7. Leadership Roles & Social Contributions
Dr. Audu has held several leadership and developmental roles, including:
National President, Kwara State Medical Students Association (1993–1995)
President, New Breed Social Club, Koro (1993–1994)
Patron, Youth Council, Ekiti LGA (2010–date)
Chairman, Trust Fund Committee, Muslim Medical Students Association, UniIlorin (1993–1995)
Life Patron, Ifesowapo Social Development Association (2012–date)
He is also Founder and Chairman of the Coalition of Saraki Advocates (COSA) and the Sola Saraki Educational Foundation.
8. Awards & Recognitions
Dr. Audu’s outstanding service has earned him numerous local, national, and traditional honours, including:
Meritorious Award for Community Empowerment, Rotary International (Kakuri District, Kaduna)
Chieftaincy Title: Aare Isegun of Koro Land (2012)
Chieftaincy Title: Bobagunwa of Osi Kingdom
Kwara Ekiti Indigenes Merit Service Award (2010)
Kaduna State NYSC Merit Award – Best Corps Member (1996/97)
Merit Award of Recognition by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
9. Closing Statement
Through his visionary leadership, tireless humanitarian efforts, and unwavering commitment to public health, Dr. Audu Musa Idowu has distinguished himself as a transformative leader, a nation-builder, and a lifelong champion of community well-being.
His impact continues to inspire generations across Nigeria and beyond.
