For thousands of Nigerian couples battling infertility, the dream of becoming parents often comes after years of emotional pain, unanswered prayers and failed attempts to conceive. But at God’s Knox Hospital, Ologuneru, Ibadan, those painful stories are being transformed into testimonies of hope.
In the last six years, the hospital’s Fertility Centre has recorded a remarkable milestone, successfully delivering more than 158 babies through In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and surrogacy, helping childless couples become proud parents and positioning the hospital among Nigeria’s leading fertility centres.
The success has attracted patients from across Nigeria and the diaspora who seek Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), driven by the hospital’s growing reputation for excellent outcomes, modern reproductive technology and specialist care.
In this interview with Dr. Emmanuel Idowu Olowokere, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, fertility medicine specialist, Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer of God’s Knox Hospital, he explains how the hospital has become a beacon of hope for childless couples, the rising cases of infertility in Nigeria, misconceptions surrounding IVF and surrogacy, treatment costs and why more families are choosing God’s Knox Hospital.
Why do so many patients choose God’s Knox Hospital for fertility treatment?
Dr. Olowokere: The answer is simple—our results speak for themselves.
Families who once battled infertility now return with their babies, and they become living testimonies that inspire other couples not to give up hope.
Our antenatal and maternity clinic, held every Tuesday, attracts a very large number of patients. The turnout is often so high that consultations continue into the following day.
How significant is the achievement in God’s Knot Hospital?
Dr. Olowokere: This is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements in the history of God’s Knox Hospital. We recently celebrated the hospital’s 12th anniversary, while our Fertility Centre has now been operating successfully for six years.
Within those six years, we have welcomed more than 158 babies through IVF and surrogacy. For us, these are far more than statistics.
By the grace of God, this achievement has placed God’s Knox Hospital among the leading fertility and surrogacy centres in Nigeria. We receive referrals almost every day from different states and from the diaspora because people have seen our success stories and have confidence in our expertise.
Beyond recording more than 158 successful IVF and surrogacy births, we remain committed to providing quality healthcare, personalised patient care and internationally accepted standards in fertility medicine.
Cases of infertility seem to be increasing in Nigeria. Why is this happening?
Dr. Olowokere: There is no doubt that infertility is becoming more common today. While previous studies estimated that between 10 and 20 per cent of couples experienced infertility, the numbers have continued to rise.
One major reason is changing social and economic realities. Many women now postpone marriage and childbirth while pursuing higher education, building careers, acquiring property and seeking financial stability. Female fertility naturally declines with age. During the years of postponement, some women may also develop infections, uterine problems or blocked fallopian tubes that make conception much more difficult later in life.
That is why we continue to educate people on the importance of understanding reproductive health early enough.
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What is the ideal age for women to have children?
Dr. Olowokere: From a biological standpoint, the most favourable reproductive age for women is between 18 and 25 years.
Fertility starts declining significantly from the age of 35, while the chances of natural conception reduce sharply after 40 years.
As women grow older, hormonal changes occur and the ovarian reserve—the number of healthy eggs available for fertilisation—gradually decreases.
Men are also affected by age. Advancing age may reduce sperm count, sperm quality and sperm movement. In addition, unhealthy lifestyles such as excessive alcohol intake, cigarette smoking and drug abuse significantly contribute to male infertility.
Infertility is therefore not solely a woman’s problem. Both partners should undergo proper medical evaluation.
There are still misconceptions about IVF and surrogacy. Some people believe babies born through IVF are not real children. What is your response?
Dr. Olowokere: That belief is completely false and has no scientific foundation.
Babies conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technology are normal children.
IVF and surrogacy are medical breakthroughs that have given hope to countless couples who would otherwise remain childless.
Thankfully, awareness is increasing across Nigeria, and more people now understand that fertility treatment is simply another form of specialised medical care.
Many Nigerians believe IVF and surrogacy are only for the wealthy because of the high cost. What is your view?
Dr. Olowokere: Assisted Reproductive Technology is indeed expensive.
Establishing a standard IVF centre today requires an investment of approximately ₦300 million to ₦350 million.
For instance, an Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) machine alone costs about ₦90 million, while specialised laser equipment and other laboratory systems increase the total investment to about ₦130 million to ₦140 million.
Because of these operational costs, IVF treatment currently ranges between ₦3.5 million and ₦4 million, while surrogacy costs approximately ₦12 million.
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