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The Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide and the West African College of Physicians, have honoured five distinguished medical icons.
The event, an endowment ceremony, held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
According to a statement on Monday, the ceremony whicj drew notable figures in the medical and academic fields, paid tribute to Emeritus Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe, Emeritus Professor Oladipo Ogunlesi, Professor Ayodele Falase, Professor Essien Udo Akang, and Dr. Olajide Taofik Babalakin for their trailblazing contributions to the medical profession and Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Four of the awardees were posthumously honoured for their roles in shaping medical education and leadership in Nigeria.
The awards cemented their legacies and celebrated their far-reaching impact on future generations of medical professionals.
Akinkugbe, recognised as Africa’s first professor of medicine, was remembered for his pioneering work in nephrology and his mentoring of numerous medical professionals.
His influence extended beyond the shores of Nigeria, establishing him as a global icon in medical education and practice.
Ogunlesi, the first person to serve as Vice-Chancellor of two federal universities in Nigeria, was celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to medical education and administration, setting a high standard for future medical leaders.
Falase, who graced the ceremony in person, was honoured for his significant role in advancing medical education and leadership.
Falase was the first Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, to rise to the position of Vice-Chancellor, solidifying his legacy as a bridge between medical practice and academic administration.
Akang, a highly respected pathologist and former Provost of the College of Medicine, was posthumously honoured for his exceptional contributions to pathology.
His devotion to teaching earned him the admiration of colleagues and students alike, with a special tribute from the Class of 1983 underscoring his enduring legacy.
Babalakin, a nephrologist from the Class of 1988, was remembered for his distinguished career in internal medicine.
His influence on nephrology in Nigeria were highlighted during the event.
His family, represented by his brothers, Dr. Wale Babalakin and Architect Omotayo Babalakin, accepted an award in his honour, while a special endowment was made for the “Best Dissertation in Nephrology” within the Faculty of Internal Medicine, WACP.
The Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, delivered a keynote address, noting that the contributions of these medical giants would inspire generations to come.
He commended their efforts in uplifting Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Other key attendees included Professor K.O. Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, represented by Professor Ogundiran, and the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, who all reiterated the immeasurable impact of the honourees on the healthcare sector.
The event closed with a vote of thanks from Professor Oyedunni Arulogun, Vice President of ICOMAA Worldwide, who expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the ceremony. She remarked that the legacies of these medical titans will continue to inspire excellence in the medical field for years to come.
