Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Taiwo Olukolade is a  first-rate nurse whose experience cuts across three continents. She is also a widely acknowledged nursing administrator and a pace-setting nursing educator. She is a God-fearing caregiver, conscientious administrator and an inspirational leader.

 Dr Olukolade is the Director of Nursing Services at Afe Babalola University Multisystem Hospital Ado-Ekiti. In this role, she oversees the ultra-modern hospital’s nursing operations. She is also a Senior Lecturer at Afe Babalola University, contributing her wealth of experience to nursing education and health leadership training.

Her academic journey is a testament to relentless pursuit of excellence. The young Florence attended Akoko Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State before training as a midwife at Ile Abiye School of Midwifery (1973–1976), and earning her Registered Nursing Certificate in 1982 from the School of Nursing, Akure.

Internationally, she gained expertise through licenses from the Massachusetts Board of Nursing, USA (2000); Institute of Occupational Health & Safety, Uxbridge Campus, West London (2004); and Thames Valley University, London (2010) where she obtained a Diploma in Peronsal and Professional Development. In Nigeria, she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s in Environmental Science & Resource Management from the National Open University of Nigeria (2014 and 2020). She crowned it all with  a PhD in Public Administration (2024).

Florence Olukolade’s professional odyssey showcases progressive leadership across prestigious institutions spanning different countries. She began her career in Nigeria as a Staff Midwife at the General Hospital, Iyin-Ekiti (1976–1978) and later served as a Staff Nurse Midwife at the Health Office, Ado-Ekiti (1978–1980). Between 1982 and 1995, she rose to the position of Chief Nursing Officer at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure before becoming the National Health Coordinator for the Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), where she oversaw women’s health programs nationwide (1986–1996).

She relocated to the United States, serving as Nurse Supervisor at the Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Community, Manchester, USA (1997–2001). Her career advanced further in the United Kingdom, where she worked as Care Manager and Registered Nurse across several institutions, including Broad Oak Manor Nursing Home, Cambridge Nursing Home, North Middlesex University College Hospital, Ealing Manor Nursing Home, Whipps Cross University Hospital, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Ealing University Hospital, and Marie Curie Cancer Care between 2001 and 2010. She simultaneously served as Clinical Instructor at Thames Valley University, London (2006–2010).

Upon her return to Nigeria, she was appointed Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Ekiti State on Health Services (2010–2011) and later joined Afe Babalola University Multisystem Hospital as Director of Nursing Services (2018 to date). In 2023, she also became a Senior Lecturer at Afe Babalola University, contributing her wealth of experience to nursing education and health leadership training. She has presented papers  at numerous workshops and seminars across Nigeria on topics including ethics, quality assurance, patient care, and ICT in healthcare.

In appreciation of her stellar qualities, Dr. Olukolade enjoys membership in elite bodies including Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN) (Women Empowerment Programme Sponsored by SEDPA and USAID); Board of Governors, ABUAD International School, Ado-Ekiti; Board of Trustees, Afe Babalola University and Multisystem Hospital; Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria; and Royal College of Nursing (RCN), United Kingdom. This rare gem of a grandmother enjoys reading, teaching, travelling, singing, and dancing.

It was in recognition of her accomplishments and contribution to national development in the sphere of Nursing that Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Taiwo Olukolade was deemed worthy to be conferred with the Woman of Merit Gold Award.