Neighbourhood clinic in Old Bodija, Ibadan

Care that lights the way, for everyone under your roof

From a baby's first jabs to Grandma's blood pressure check, Maple Lantern has been the clinic down the road for Bodija families since 2009. Come as you are. We will find you a seat, a cup of water and a doctor who listens.

  • Walk-ins welcome
  • Mother & baby clinic
  • Pharmacy on site
Nigerian mother in a coral lace outfit and headwrap smiling down at her newborn on a sofa
Baby clinic, Tuesdays & ThursdaysWeighing, jabs and a listening ear
Welcome

The clinic your neighbours already know

Ask around Bodija and somebody will tell you about Maple Lantern. Maybe Mama Seyi down the street, who has brought all four of her children here. Maybe the retired professor from UI who comes in every month to have his pressure checked and argue gently about salt.

We are a small clinic, and we like it that way. Our doctors, nurses and pharmacist know many patients by name, and some of the children we weighed as babies now bring in little ones of their own.

We cannot do anything about the traffic at Mokola roundabout. Once you are through our door, though, we will keep the wait short, the room clean and the explanations plain.

How we can help

Six things we do every single day

If what you need is not on this list, ask anyway. If we cannot help, we will tell you honestly who can.

  1. 01

    Consultations for all ages

    Fevers, coughs, body pains, tummy troubles and the worries that keep you up at night. Seen by a doctor, never rushed out.

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  2. 02

    Antenatal & women's health

    Pregnancy check-ups, family planning and women's concerns, in a private room with a doctor or midwife who will not make you feel shy.

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  3. 03

    Baby & child clinic

    Weighing, growth checks and sick-child visits, with toys in the corner and patience in good supply.

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  4. 04

    Immunisations

    The national schedule plus optional vaccines, with a reminder message before each due date so nobody forgets.

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  5. 05

    Blood pressure & sugar care

    Regular checks and medication reviews for grown-ups and older parents, with food advice that is realistic about amala and ewedu.

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  6. 06

    Lab tests & pharmacy

    Everyday tests done in our own small lab, and your medicines handed over by our pharmacist with clear instructions.

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Young health volunteers checking a schoolboy's mouth during a school health check
4,000+babies weighed at our baby clinic since 2009
Women & children

From the first scan to the first day of school

Women's and children's care is the heart of Maple Lantern. Our visiting obstetrician holds antenatal clinics twice a week, and our matron, a midwife for more than twenty years, runs Saturday classes for mothers-to-be.

We do not deliver babies here. Instead, we walk with you right up to the labour ward door, with your notes ready for UCH, Adeoyo or the hospital you choose. And we are waiting when you bring the baby home for that first check.

  • Antenatal clinic on Wednesday and Saturday mornings
  • Saturday classes for mothers-to-be, partners welcome
  • Postnatal and six-week checks for mother and baby
  • Family planning advice in a private room, with no lectures
Kind words

What Bodija families tell us

I was so nervous in my first pregnancy. Matron Comfort explained everything twice, the second time more slowly, and when my daughter arrived she was the first person I called after my mother.
Kemi B.First-time mum, Sango
Since I retired from UI, I come every month for my blood pressure. Dr. Ajayi scolds me about salt and I tell her about my garden. My pressure has been steady for three years, so I suppose she is winning.
Pa Joseph A.Retired lecturer, Bodija Estate
I sell provisions at Bodija Market and cannot close my shop for half a day. They see me quickly, the pharmacy has what the doctor writes, and my HMO card works without long story.
Mrs. Ngozi E.Trader, Bodija Market
Health tips

A little advice from our nurses' desk

Children3 min read

Harmattan is coming: looking after small chests

Dry, dusty air arrives from November. A few simple habits help children get through the season with less catarrh, cough and dry skin.

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Harmattan dust and cold mornings can irritate little noses and chests. Keep windows closed on very dusty days, wipe surfaces with a damp cloth instead of sweeping dust into the air, and dress children in light layers they can remove as the day warms up.

Offer plenty of water, even when they insist they are not thirsty, and use a simple, unscented cream on dry skin and lips. Children with asthma should keep their inhaler close and come for a review before the season peaks.

Bring your child in promptly if they are breathing fast, struggling to feed, or have a cough that has lasted more than two weeks.

Pregnancy2 min read

Why we like to see you before 12 weeks

Booking antenatal care early is not fussiness. It gives you and your baby a head start.

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Your first antenatal visit, often called booking, is when we check your blood group, genotype, blood count and blood pressure, and screen for infections that can be treated before they affect the baby.

Booking early also means an accurate due date, early advice on diet and folic acid, and time to plan where you will deliver. If you think you might be pregnant, come in for a test. It is one of our favourite conversations.

Everyday health3 min read

Fever at night: when to wait and when to come in

Most fevers are not emergencies, but some are. Here is how to tell the difference before morning.

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Keep a feverish person cool with light clothing, plenty of fluids and rest. If you use a fever medicine, choose one suitable for their age and follow the instructions on the pack exactly.

In Ibadan, a fever is often malaria, so please do not guess and treat at home for days. A quick test the next morning tells us what we are dealing with.

Do not wait for morning if a baby under three months has a fever, or if anyone has a fit, is very drowsy, is struggling to breathe or cannot keep fluids down. Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency unit.

Need a doctor? The lantern is on.

Book online, call, or simply walk in. We open at 8 every morning, Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday afternoons.