Dr. Mayowa Akanbi Folorunso a seasoned healthcare professional with a passion for driving meaningful change, has recently shared his insights on the current state of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the role of leadership in shaping healthcare policies and outcomes. With an Executive Master’s degree in Global Healthcare Leadership from Oxford University, he has gained valuable knowledge and skills to address complex health challenges, particularly in rural areas. Let’s dive into honorable Adeoye thoughts on healthcare leadership, policy, and innovation.

1. What inspired you to pursue an Executive Master’s degree in Global Healthcare Leadership from Oxford University, and how do you think this qualification will impact your career?

I was looking for new tools and methods to address current complex problems that exist in health and generally, in development. On a broad level, everyone is aware of current policy changes in US and many developed countries on official development assistance (ODAs)- a mechanism through which developed countries contribute in one way or the other to development in developing countries. This has caused a significant shift in the sector, but it didn’t start today. There’s been a trend for five to ten years in what you can call push factors underpinning this- rise in nationalism, interrogation of the benefits or otherwise of globalization, increasing fiscal pressures in developed countries due to variations in economic performance etc.

All these came to a tipping point with the COVID-19 pandemic and the various fallouts between politics or governance and medical science or public health. Add to that the economic and social pressures that the pandemic caused- all resulting in more countries looking inwards and ‘saving their own’ as against ‘saving others’ as well as the demand for more accountability and performance from the global health and development sector. It was obvious to me that it was not going to be business as usual and visionary and collaborative leadership would be more needed, requiring different tools and skills set. The quest to develop these led me to the global healthcare leadership Masters programme at Oxford.

The University of Oxford is a foremost global university and studying there for a postgraduate degree drives home this point- it leaves you with an unquenchable quest to interrogate knowledge, and hone inquisitiveness, to understand the place of scholarship but in integrity, to leverage the power of collaboration to achieve greater impact, and also that of self-reflection to identify personal biases and strengths, so that these could be put in view and/or leveraged. All these would be important in my career.

2. How do you plan to address the healthcare challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, using the knowledge and skills gained from your program? If the opportunity to serve come
I have learnt that competitive resources and uncertainties must not necessarily translate to failure and lack of health access to citizens. For this not to be the case, astute leaders that are able to handle multiple paradoxes, lead with empathy but demand results and who can creatively design and deliver multi-sectoral initiatives will succeed. I am immediately applying the learnings to the work I do in support of national health programmes in countries with huge populations such as Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Democratic Republic of Congo but also Uganda, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Cabo Verde, to mention a few.

As I have mentioned before, generally, in Nigeria, there’s a chronic and widening urban-rural development (including health) gap. Indeed, healthcare delivery requires significant investments in diverse preventative and curative health needs, and those investments must come from somewhere. Emphatically, there’s no ‘free healthcare’ as this only means what recipients get for free have been paid for by the government, domestic, or foreign partners through resource allocation, taxes, development assistance etc.

Implementing the Abuja declaration on health financing is a great starting point. Government must directly invest in health, at par or beyond that commitment, but also encourage creative healthcare financing by appropriately implemented health insurance schemes, joint partnerships for health, public-private partnerships etc. Government must make policies that prioritize rural communities for health investments, especially as most quality private health investments have predilection for urban areas that have better infrastructure, higher paying customers, and higher potential to recoup profit. In addition to addressing the infrastructure and economic deficit in rural communities; government must envision rural communities’ healthcare initiatives and incentivize willing investors to prioritize these communities.

3. Can you share your thoughts on the role of leadership in shaping healthcare policies and outcomes, in Nigeria?
Policies are the thrust through which healthcare and broader development are introduced and implemented. Leadership is a critical component to designing and implementing these policies and as I mentioned earlier, adaptive and transformative healthcare leadership is even more important in these uncertain and fiscal constrained time. There are many on-going great initiatives to salvage healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

I have a bias towards equitable delivery of healthcare delivery across the country, irrespective of where people live. From a policy perspective, Nigeria must extend some of the creative models it has implemented in road construction (for example interest-free bonds etc. to expanding healthcare. Policy must encourage national and state governments to directly incentivize health workers in rural as well as conflict-prone locations. A central thrust to anchor needed improvements may be the launch of a cohesive Health Services Scheme as an ambitious offering to bring healthcare closer to citizens by partnering with diverse stakeholders to invest in preventative, diagnostic, as well as curative, primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare etc.

As a concrete example, there is a rising incidence of non-communicable diseases including hypertension and diabetes amongst young people now, unlike 20 years ago. Deliberate interventions could be developed to promote the mainstreaming of risk-profiling for all young people at every healthcare touch, with an even higher focus on those with higher risk factors. Related to this, there must be deliberate efforts to reduce unhealthy food imports and their ingestion to the barest minimum, adopt clear food constituents labelling, reduce advertising of unhealthy food/diet to children, and discouragement of sedentary lifestyle. Policies that incentivize States to invest in increased physical activities initiatives, those that discourage excessive intake of alcohol, those that support smoking cessations, that diagnoses and appropriately manage pre-conditions with lifestyle changes will be transformative. This is an example of how something fundamental can be addressed from a holistic perspective, influencing policies but directly translating into outcomes.

4. How do you think healthcare professionals can effectively engage with policymakers to drive meaningful change in the healthcare sector?
Indeed, the level of impact any professional will make is directly proportional to the number of networks they create and maintain, and how much leverage they have with not just policymakers but also political or governance leaders. Thus, the case of health and policymakers or political leaders or if you like, governance, is a clear one. While health leaders oversee direct implementation of healthcare interventions, the ability to elevate the prioritization of healthcare and ensure it’s on the agenda of governments and partners, to demonstrate the benefits of investing in healthcare, often in direct competition with other investment needs and the process of unlocking resources to implement the interventions all depends on governance and political power.
Healthcare leaders must leverage data, be clear on both baselines and reasonable and achievable targets- offering commitments on monitoring and reporting, leverage partnerships and collaborations with other institutions, partners, or sectors, which demonstrate efficiencies and increase champions for health. An experienced team that can support different interventions, effectively communicate successes and address bottlenecks, and most importantly engage the beneficiaries or citizens in a proactive rather than reactive.

One tool that healthcare professionals are not used to is the art of storytelling and communication. There’s hardly anyone who would argue against the importance of healthcare. However, carefully curating and sharing powerful stories of the importance of investing in healthcare, and the unfortunate outcomes in the lives of citizens of not making these investments, will contribute to effective engagement.

5. What are your views on the current state of healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria, and how can it be improved?

Nigeria is a subset of global healthcare systems and even taking a Nigeria- there are multiple healthcare systems realities that exist within the nation such as from one sub-region or state to another, and even within these. Nigeria as a developing country with high fertility rate and correspondingly high population, limited health infrastructure, relatively sub-optimal sustainable healthcare financing, and poor health seeking habits, present with high healthcare delivery needs. These result in high morbidities and mortalities due to preventable diseases, lack of adequate and limited motivation for available health and para-health workers, rising number of non-communicable diseases including in young people.

While several interventions are being carried out, the major pain point is still that a lot of innovation, public-private partnerships are catalyzing world class healthcare delivery in the major cities in Nigeria while there’s limited commensurate investment in an extensive and optimal network of well-equipped primary, secondary, or tertiary healthcare provision centers, country-wide, including in rural communities. This is not a simple or easy problem to address and will take years of consistent prioritization to bend the arc towards progress. It must however start from appropriate health financing and allocation but also budget execution, disbursement, and use for health. For example, the African Union had the Abuja declaration where member states committed to allocating at least 15% of budgets to the health sector, and this could be a starting point.
Of course, Nigeria has a huge developmental deficit, not just healthcare, thus healthcare leaders must use real-life data to justify and advocate for healthcare funding, while demonstrating where efficiencies and sustainability can be gained.
Furthermore, in prioritizing all citizens for health, government must devise a strong rural health initiative that incentivizes- starting with government’s own resources- others to invest in primary and secondary healthcare in non-major cities and collaborate with domestic and international donors on critical public health priorities. As mentioned earlier, there needs to be deliberate creative and sustainable financing of these.

6. As someone with experience in healthcare and an interest in politics, do you think there’s a need for more healthcare professionals in politics? Why or why not?

Laughs. I think all humans are or at least should be interested in politics, even if from a self-preservation and in an insidious way. To me, one of the critical rites of passage for any would be public servant should be verifiable evidence of being successful in a non-politics area of endeavour prior to thinking about governance. Thus, not just healthcare professionals but professionals in general, should be involved in governance. Having a pre-governance background and experience (the so called second address) helps to build trust, demonstrate capacity, and contribute to the narrative of integrity. Thus, if this is followed, the argument of technocrats versus others may thin out since everyone should be one technocrat or the other- in bricklaying, accounting, painting, medicine or as a teacher. What people therefore misconstrue as the opposite of being a technocrat- often called ‘core politician’ refers to a concoction of leadership, being grounded with your people, being relatable and a people person, street credibility, etc. are then not mutually exclusive of being a technocrat but tell-tale signs of an individual that will do well in governance. Of course, there are technocrats that should remain technical or professional people and not be leaders or managers, but the contrary is also true that there are core politicians that should never smell leadership or managerial positions too.
The real test of knowledge, is humility, empathy, compassion, doing good for the greatest good, cutting-edge problem solving, and a thoroughbred healthcare professional, by the virtue of the life-and-death issues they’ve had to deal with- either on a patient by patient basis or from a population perspective, has much of these to give, and as such I’ll say they should be more involved. Again, the same qualities (maybe not as in a life-and-death way as the healthcare professional) can be demonstrated and exploited for the people by a tailor or small business owner.

7. From your response above, it seems you have keen interest in 2027 politics. What should we be looking out for from you?

Hahaha. 2027 is still a long 2 years from now. Laughs. As you saw from commentaries following the President’s mid-term conclave, there’s always a core consideration of the timing and rightness of election positioning- and that is for a sitting president. As our current Akinyele/Lagelu representative, a long-term politician also said at the recent local government meeting- ‘Oke ni signal ti ma n wa. Ma be. Signal ma wa. Ti signal ba ti de, wa mo nkan to ma se’, you and I are waiting for the signal. Laughs

8. How do you plan to leverage your network and connections to drive positive change in the healthcare sector?

Well, scholars define the ‘gown’ and the ‘town’, most times expressing a dichotomy between both. It’s therefore always important that knowledge is effectively deployed and resources directed to where they are needed the most. On a professional level, I’ll continue to contribute to interventions that directly impact the healthcare of Nigerians. There are several on-going initiatives to advance healthcare at national and sub-national levels. Prioritizing underserved and vulnerable population with healthcare investment taking a rights-based approach to healthcare access, is something I’ll always advocate. Initiatives that encourage constituent members to increase their health seeking habits must not be one off or project-based but continually be implemented, reviewed and actioned. Indeed, infrastructure, including all tiers of service delivery and ranging from preventative to curative to life course, must be put in place. On a leadership front, personally, humility, leading with empathy and grace, proactively taking the views of the community through having them as partners and collaborators, and partnering with others on meaningful and transformative interventions to support the community are within scope and to which I am fully committed.

9. What advice would you give to young healthcare professionals looking to make a difference in Nigeria’s healthcare system?
Young healthcare professionals must take a hard stance to invest in themselves. The reality of the state of healthcare could inadvertently be discouraging. Doing the best in one’s setting and responsibilities is important, understanding that these all come together across multiple professionals to represent the outputs of the health sector. Investing in relationships will always be an important resource, as no meaningful change happens without real collaboration.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his remarkable accomplishments as he marks his second year in office.

This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan.

Senator Alli commended Tinubu’s commitment to national development, bold economic reforms and tireless efforts toward repositioning Nigeria on the path of growth and prosperity.

The lawmaker described the President’s achievements as a testament to his visionary leadership and resolve to address longstanding challenges in governance, security, infrastructure and the economy.

He lauded Tinubu’s strides in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusiveness and initiating policies aimed at fostering sustainable national development.

Senator Alli also commended the resilience, patriotism and patience of Nigerians amidst the nation’s economic challenges.

The lawmaker said that despite the tough realities facing many households and businesses, Nigerians have continued to demonstrate remarkable determination and optimism in the face of adversity.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians, assuring them that the government recognises their struggles.

Senator Alli said the present administration was committed to implementing policies that would ease economic burdens and improve the overall standard of living for every Nigerian.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast, assuring them that the painful but necessary reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration have started and would soon yield more positive results.

He called for continued support for the government’s vision, assuring that better days are indeed ahead.

Alli pledged support for President Tinubu’s administration, expressing readiness to work collaboratively in delivering on the promises of a renewed and prosperous Nigeria.

He stressed the need for unity, understanding and cooperation among all Nigerians as the country journeys toward a brighter future.

Senator Alli extended warmest congratulations to President Tinubu, expressing confidence that his administration would lay even stronger foundation for a united and prosperous, Nigeria.

The Oyo State Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) is joining other chapters across the country in a nationwide week-long celebration to commemorate the organization’s 40th anniversary.

The celebration, themed “Celebrating 40 Years of FOMWAN’s Impactful Life and Legacy through Community Development & Humanitarian Services,” will take place from June 1st to 7th, 2025.

The week-long celebration will feature a range of activities, including a Press Conference, productions and sales of FOMWAN products, special Jumat services, and a commemorative lecture.

The activities are designed to showcase FOMWAN’s commitment to community development and humanitarian services, while also highlighting the organization’s impacts on the lives of Muslim women and the broader community.

A statement from the Oyo State Amirah of FOMWAN, Dr. Mrs. Lateefah Olasumbo Dairo, said the Chapter’s celebration will kick off with a Press Conference on Sunday, June 1st, 2025, where the chapter will highlight its activities and impact in Oyo State.

This will be followed by the production and sales of FOMWAN products, including disinfectants, woven materials, Adire cloths, beddings, bags, and small chops, from Monday, June 2nd to Thursday, June 5th, 2025.

On Friday, June 6th, 2025, special Jumah services will be held simultaneously in all FOMWAN designated mosques across Oyo State, with the topic on “Humanitarian Services : Tool for Islamic Propagation & Human Development”. The week’s activities will culminate on Sunday, June 7th, 2025, with a commemorative lecture on “Humanitarian Services : Catalyst for Community Growth and Sustainable Human Development”.

Dr. Mrs. Dairo said the nationwide celebration is a testament to FOMWAN’s enduring legacy and its commitment to empowering Muslim women and promoting community development.

According to her, over the past 40 years, FOMWAN Oyo State has made significant contributions to the state’s social and economic development.

“Some notable achievements are, the establishment of two orphanages, one in Ibadan and another in Oyo Town, provision of shelter, care, and education to over 100 children, running of several schools, including nursery, primary, and secondary schools, as well as an Islamiyyah school, and adoption of 45 public schools across the state to monitor teaching, provide educational materials, and support indigent students.

“We have regular health campaigns, and we collaborate with government agencies and NGOs on health campaigns, including immunization, HIV/AIDS, and HPV. We participate in vocational skill training programmes, leadership development, and community services, with the youth wing registered with the Oyo State Ministry of Youths and Sports. Oyo State FOMWAN offers interest-free loans, vocational training, and empowerment schemes for women and youth, with the Halal Cooperatived established in 2013 to encourage savings, self-reliance and economic empowerment.”

The Amirah used the medium to condemn in strong terms recent series of public attacks on women, particularly those wearing Niqab (veil), in some parts of Nigeria and other countries.

“We stand in solidarity with our muslim sisters in Nigeria and across the world who are daily being abused, harassed and attacked for choosing to dress modestly. We condemn any form of attacks and harassment on girls, ladies and women irrespective of status, country of origin, colour, creed and ethnic leanings. FOMWAN calls for respect, understanding, and protection of women’s rights at all times.” Dr. Dairo said

As Senators and Members of the House of Representatives celebrate their two-year milestones at the national level, it is important for us the electorate who entrusted them with our votes to pause and reflect on their Scorecards. We must ask ourselves: Have these leaders truly represented us well? Have they brought development, fairness, and growth to our communities?

In Oyo State, we have three Senators and fourteen Members of the House of Representatives now thirteen, following the unfortunate passing of Hon. Prince Akinremi Jagaban of Ibadan North. May his soul rest in peace.

Let’s take a closer look at how these individuals have performed:

Senator Fatai Buhari (Oyo North):
Senator Buhari has done an outstanding job. He has been actively involved in sponsoring bills and delivering tangible benefits—the true dividends of democracy—to his constituency. His efforts have eased the people’s burdens and contributed significantly to the development of Oyo State. He is a shining example of responsible and effective representation.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South): A barrister by profession, Senator Alli has sponsored five bills. He has remained fairly active in national affairs, maintains communication with his constituents, and continues to play a visible role. His performance so far can be rated as average, with room for improvement—particularly in his legislative responsibilities and in leveraging his office to facilitate employment opportunities for members of his constituency.

Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central): So far, he has only moved a motion, and his overall impact remains limited. Many of his constituents describe him as inaccessible and out of touch. He appears to live a corporate lifestyle, distant from the everyday realities of his people. Unless he adjusts his approach, concerns about his effectiveness will continue to grow. The people need more than just a title, they need genuine service.

Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, Hon. Remi Oseni, and Hon. Anthony Adepoju: As first-time lawmakers, these three have made significant progress. Despite their limited experience, they have shown impressive dedication and exceeded expectations. Their work proves that effective leadership is not about how long you’ve been in politics, but how well you use the opportunity to serve.

Hon. Remi Oseni, the House Committee Chairman on FERMA, stands out. He has performed excellently in sponsoring bills, contributing to legislative discussions, reaching out to his constituency, and initiating various empowerment programs. Over 80 individuals serve as his Special Assistants (SAs). He has also donated transformers to underserved areas and supported student empowerment initiatives. His commitment is commendable.

Hon. Akin Alabi (Egbeda/Ona Ara) and Hon. Akeem Adeyemi “Skimeh” (Oyo Federal Constituency): These two have remained consistently active in sponsoring bills, fulfilling oversight functions, and ensuring their constituents benefit from good governance. Their efforts in both legislative work and community development show they understand the responsibilities that come with public office.

Hon. Akinmoyede Wasiu Olafisoye (Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency): His performance has become a source of concern to many constituents, party members, and stakeholders. He is rarely seen participating in House activities, and his absence is notable. There’s a lack of communication and minimal legislative impact at the National Assembly. Some constituents allege that he only becomes visible during festive periods to distribute food items. In Lagelu Local Government, from where he hails, both the local and ward meetings have not been held—signs of poor leadership and internal disunity. This poses a serious risk to the APC in the area. The people deserve better.

Hon. Abass Agboworin (Ibadan North East/South East): While he may face challenges with fluency and articulation during debates, he is making an effort to serve his people. His overall performance is close to average, but with the right support and improved communication, there is room for growth.

What we are witnessing shows that competence matters more than party affiliation or name recognition. When you elect capable leaders, the results speak for themselves. Just look at Senator Fatai Buhari or the effective representatives from Ido/Ibarapa East, Egbeda/Ona Ara, and Ibarapa North/Central—praised for their dedication and performance.

It is no longer enough to vote based on party loyalty, popularity, or sentiment. We must begin to elect leaders based on the capacity to deliver, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the people.

Oyo State deserves better. We deserve lawmakers who will sponsor bills, drive development, stay connected to the people, and speak up for us at the national level.

As we prepare for future elections, let us rethink our voting decisions. Let competence and integrity guide our choices.

The power is in our hands, not just to vote, but to vote wisely.

The Olugbon Orisafayo Royal Family has distanced itself from the ongoing tussle between Oba Francis Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, and the Soun Royal Family of Ogbomoso, describing Alao’s actions as “inordinate ambition” and “unhealthy rivalries.”

In a statement signed by Prince Suleiman Popoola Orisafayo on Thursday, the family claimed that Alao is “on his own” in his bid to foment trouble with the Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.

“We are at a loss as to why Francis Olusola Alao is obsessive about fomenting trouble with the Soun of Ogbomosoland. We state categorically that the authentic Olugbon Dynasty is not at loggerheads with the Soun Royal Dynasty.” the statement read.

The family questioned Alao’s ancestry, asking him to reveal his true identity and how many of his forefathers had reigned as Olugbon or vied for the throne.

“He should tell the world his ancestry. He should avail us of his true identity, how many of his forefathers ever reigned as Olugbon or even vied for the Olugbon throne?” the statement queried.

The family also challenged Alao to explain his connection to the Akinbola family and the Eso compound at Osupa. “What is Eso compound at Osupa to him? How is he related to the Akinbola family?” the statement read.

The statement noted that Prince Suleiman Popoola Orisafayo was chosen by the recognized Olugbon Royal Family through duly contested elections and that the Kingmakers had declared the Orisafayo Ruling House as the next to produce the Olugbon.

The family reminded Alao of an extant court injunction since 2017, which forbids him from parading himself as Olugbon pending the determination of the substantive suit against his ascension to the throne.

The family warned Alao to desist from causing crises with the Soun Royal Family, with whom the Olugbon Royal Family has coexisted for centuries on good terms.

“There is an extant court injunction since 2017 (Suit no. HOI/14/2017), which forbids him from parading himself as Olugbon pending the determination of the substantive suit against his politically-backed ascension to the throne.

“The Olugbon Royal Family and the Soun Royal Family had co-habited for centuries on good terms and on mutual basis, and we do not need any Francis to jeopardise this relationship. Enough is enough!” the statement concluded.

The University of Ibadan has named its Postgraduate College Administrative Building in honour of a foremost scientist, seasoned educationist, and one of Nigeria’s most distinguished scholars, Late Professor Sanya Dojo Onabamiro.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp,
said the University of Ibadan immortalized Onabamiro’s name on the edifice to etch his legacy into the very fabric of the University and reaffirm the commitment of the institution to honouring those who helped to lay the foundation for its academic excellence.

He said Professor Onabamiro was not just an academic colossus but a titan, a trailblazer in parasitology, a visionary educator and a dedicated public servant whose contribution to the University of Ibadan and the broader academic community remained indelible.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that Professor Onabamiro’s pioneering research brought pride to Nigeria and advanced global scientific knowledge while his dedication to education, mentorship, and nation building remains a shining example for the academia and beyond.

Professor Adebowale appreciated the presence of His Excellency, General Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, whom he referred to as a revered statesman and a former Head of State, whose leadership left an indelible mark on Nigeria.

He also thanked the former Executive Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and other distinguished guests who graced the occasion to celebrate the man who according to him, left an intellectual legacy which continues to inspire generations.

He extended his profound gratitude to the Onabamiro family for sharing their patriarch with the world.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the legacy of Professor Onabamiro is not just in the books or discoveries he made, but in the lives he touched and the institutions he strengthened.

He affirmed that generations of postgraduate students and scholars who will visit the administrative block will be reminded of Onabamiro’s dedication to learning, passion for discovery, commitment to excellence, and service to humanity.

Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, who was the chairman of the building naming ceremony described Professor Sanya Dojo Onabamiro as a great educationist and research scientist who was diligent, righteous and erudite.

According to him, Professor Onabamiro left a remarkable legacy that should not be forgotten, adding that naming the edifice after him was a thoughtful and well-deserved honour for the late don.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo recognised the University of Ibadan as the first and the best university in Nigeria and appreciated the university management for conceiving the idea of naming the postgraduate administrative building after the Late Professor Sanya Dojo Onabamiro.

The former Head of State commended the family of the distinguished scholar for not forgetting their patriarch and remembering his life and times through the 40-year memorial lecture scheduled to hold after the naming ceremony.

In a goodwill message, a former Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Senator Ibikunle Amosun said he was delighted to be at the auspicious occasion held in honour of a giant and illustrious son of Ogun State.

He noted that the occasion was not to merely celebrate the naming of an edifice after the late icon or attend a memorial lecture to be thrilled by knowledge, but to honour the life of a man of excellence and his profound services to Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

According to Senator Amosun, Professor Onabamiro’s trajectory speaks to the highest summit of dedication, service, patriotism, and visionary leadership while his contribution to Nigeria was indicative of his impact on the field of science, education, politics, and journalism, stating that not many of his ilk achieved all that he did.

The former Governor said Professor Onabamiro recorded several pioneering achievements in the academia and will be remembered particularly for breaking barriers and blazing the trail at a time when opportunities for Africans to pursue advanced studies were rare, to be the first African to receive a Ph.D. from any British Colonial University in Africa.

Senator Amosun stated that Professor Onabamiro’s dedication and commitment to applying knowledge for the public good set him apart as a research scientist in parasitology whose research outcome was named after him as DRANCUNCULUS ONABAMIROID in international scientific journals.

He commended the University of Ibadan for honouring Professor Onabamiro by naming the postgraduate administrative block after him saying that this will serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder to present and future scholars that education is key to empowerment.

The immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka, FAS, reiterated that the University of Ibadan Postgraduate College is the flagship of postgraduate education in Nigeria and also commended the University for honouring the legacy of Professor Onabamiro.

The Chairman of the ceremony, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, with the support of special guests at the event and other principal officers of the University, later unveiled the signage.