University of Lomé Breaks Ground on Dental Training Complex

Formation

Monday, 23 February 2026 13:27

University of Lomé Breaks Ground on Dental Training Complex

(Togo First) - The University of Lomé has begun construction of a clinical and academic complex focused on oral and dental medicine. The foundation stone was laid last weekend by Vice President Kokou Batawila and David Ugai, representing Mercy Ships, the international hospital NGO financing the project.

The complex will provide hands-on training for future dental surgeons and is expected to expand access to oral health care in Togo. At its core will be the university’s Center for Odontostomatological Consultation and Treatment (CCTOS-UL), which will form the heart of the facility.

The center will house around ten modern dental clinics, an oral surgery unit, prosthetics units and an imaging suite equipped with digital intraoral and panoramic radiography, bringing patient care and academic training under one roof. Professor Aboudoulatif Diallo, first vice-dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, said the project marks the start of a long-term effort to build lasting academic capacity in the field.

The complex will also include modern classrooms, a prosthetics laboratory and a medical simulation center equipped with about 20 simulators. Officials said the facilities will allow students to train extensively before treating patients, raising professional standards.

Ugai said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the medical workforce. Mercy Ships plans to sponsor students pursuing specialist training, support the creation of advanced degree programs and help map surgical capacity nationwide.

Batawila described the project as a major step forward and said the goal is to turn the department into a sub-regional hub for oral health. The project’s total cost and completion timeline were not disclosed.

Esaïe Edoh

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