In a heartfelt tribute to service and legacy, the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Worldwide, alongside the West African College of Physicians (WACP), recently honored five iconic figures in medicine during an endowment ceremony on September 12, 2024. The event was held at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre in UCH Ibadan.
This celebration paid homage to the remarkable achievements of Emeritus Professor Oladipo Olujimi Akinkugbe, Emeritus Professor Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, Professor Ayodele Falase, Professor Essien Udo Akang, and Dr. Olajide Taofik Babalakin, each of whom has made significant contributions to enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Four of the honorees received posthumous recognition for their groundbreaking contributions to medicine, education, and leadership, ensuring that their legacies continue to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.
Emeritus Professor Oladipo Olujimi Akinkugbe, widely regarded as Africa’s first professor of medicine, has left an indelible mark in the field of nephrology. His commitment to clinical excellence and academic mentorship has shaped the lives of countless healthcare practitioners, with his influence as a mentor and physician echoing through the years.
Emeritus Professor Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi was celebrated for his pioneering role in medical education as the first individual to serve as Vice-Chancellor at two federal universities in Nigeria. His visionary leadership set new standards for medical training and institutional governance throughout the country.
Also honored was Professor Ayodele Falase, who attended the ceremony. As the inaugural Provost of the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan and later Vice-Chancellor, Falase was instrumental in integrating medical practice with academic administration, significantly advancing healthcare institutions in Nigeria.
Distinguished pathologist and former Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Essien Udo Akang was recognized for his exceptional contributions to pathology. His enthusiasm for teaching and deep knowledge left a lasting impression on both his students and colleagues. During the ceremony, a tribute from the Class of 1983 to his widow highlighted the respect and admiration he garnered within the medical community.
Dr. Olajide Taofik Babalakin, a nephrologist from the Class of 1988, was honored for his outstanding career in internal medicine, which included achieving a Fellowship in Nephrology at the University of Lexington in the USA. His legacy will be sustained through an award established in his name for the “Best Dissertation in Nephrology” at the West African College of Physicians, with his brothers, Dr. Wale Babalakin and Arc. Omotayo Babalakin, representing him at the event.
The ceremony brought together a distinguished assembly of academics, public figures, and medical professionals to celebrate the honorees. Keynote speaker Professor Temidayo O. Ogundiran, Provost of the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan, emphasized the importance of each honoree’s contributions. He described how their words, actions, and professional legacies will serve as lasting testaments to their dedication to improving healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.
Among the notable attendees was Professor K. O. Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, represented by the Provost, CoMUI, as well as Professor J. Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital in Ibadan, both of whom underscored the significant impact of the honorees’ contributions.
The event was a poignant reminder of the profound influence these medical giants have had on Nigeria’s healthcare system and the international medical community.
In closing, Professor Oyedunni Arulogun, Vice President of ICOMAA Worldwide, expressed heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the success of the ceremony. She underscored that the legacies of these five medical legends would continue to inspire generations of healthcare professionals for years to come.
