Tribute from the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
On behalf of the entire College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) community, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Professor Modupe Onayinka Onadeko on the celebration of her 80th birthday – which happened on Saturday, 27th July, 2024. It was impossible to miss out on the opportunity to say one or two things about our very respected and respectable Professor Onadeko on this significant milestone in life. What a privilege – and for this, I say, Thank you, Lord, the giver of life and good gifts!
Professor Onadeko has been a cornerstone in the field of Community Medicine, dedicating her life to the pursuit of excellence in medical education and public health. Her dogged devotion to improving healthcare for women and children has left an indelible mark on the medical community and beyond. Professor Onadeko's passion for teaching and her genuine care for her students have made her a beloved figure at the University of Ibadan. Her students, who now hold esteemed positions in various medical fields, are clear evidence of her exceptional mentorship and dedication. She has always strived for the best, encouraging and inspiring her students to reach their full potential. Her kindness and compassion have created a nurturing environment that has greatly contributed to the success of her students and colleagues.
Throughout her great career, Professor Onadeko has been a relentless advocate against female genital mutilation and other harmful traditional practices. Her leadership in the Inter-Africa Committee and various other organisations has played a crucial role in the enactment of laws to protect the health and rights of women and children in Nigeria. Her work has not only brought about legislative change but has also raised awareness and inspired many to join the fight against these practices.
As we celebrate Professor Onadeko's remarkable achievements and contributions, we also recognise her as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her dedication to her family and her professional accomplishments are a source of inspiration to us all. We are deeply grateful for her tireless efforts and the legacy she continues to build. Happy 80th birthday, Professor Onadeko. Your life and work are truly extraordinary.
"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green." – Psalm 92:12-14 (NIV)
Dear Professor Modupe Onayinka Onadeko, I pray that you continue to flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon, bearing fruit even in your old age, staying fresh and green in His courts. May your life remain a testament to His blessings and faithfulness, bringing joy and inspiration to all who know you. Amen.
Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS
Professor of Psychiatry and Provost
Profile of Professor Modupe Onayinka Onadeko
Professor Modupe Onayinka Onadeko, M.B.B.S (Ib.), MPH (HARVARD), FWACP (West Afric.), FMCPH (Nig.), M.D. (Ib.) is a distinguished Community Physician and Consultant in Reproductive and Family Health. She is the former National President of the Inter-Africa Committee, Nigeria Chapter, where she campaigned tirelessly against female genital mutilation and other harmful traditional practices.
Born on July 27, 1944, in Lagos, Nigeria, Professor Onadeko is the second child of the late Professor Sanya Dojo Onabamiro, a renowned scientist, and Chief Mrs. Mabel Folabi Onabamiro, a Nursing Sister/Matron. She began her education at Abadina School, University of Ibadan, and continued to excel academically at St. Anne’s School, Ibadan, and later at the University of Ibadan College of Medicine. Her stellar performance in academics earned her numerous prizes and recognition.
After completing her house job at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Professor Onadeko gained further experience at hospitals in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Ilkley, Yorkshire, England. She later returned to Nigeria and specialized in Community Medicine/Public Health, working at Alafia Hospital, Mokola, before joining the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at the University of Ibadan. Her postgraduate studies took her to Harvard University, where she earned her Master's degree in Maternal and Child Health on a full USAID scholarship.
Professor Onadeko has made significant contributions to medical education, research, and administration at the University of Ibadan. She has trained thousands of medical students, many of whom have gone on to hold prominent positions in healthcare. Her research and advocacy work have had a lasting impact on public health policies and practices in Nigeria. Her dedication to eradicating harmful traditional practices and improving healthcare for women and children is reflected in her numerous publications and the many honors and awards she has received throughout her career.
Membership of Societies
- Member of Nigerian Medical Association, 1971 to date.
- Foundation member of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, 1976 to date, and served as Secretary and Treasurer in the early years of the Association.
- National Treasurer, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, 1976-1982
- Zonal Secretary, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, 1976-82
- Foundation Member, Poliomyelitis Club of Nigeria, 1974-1981.
- Foundation Member, and Secretary of the sub-Committee of the Inter African Organization (IAC) for the "Eradication of Harmful Traditional Practices which affect the Health of Women and Children", from 1983; and Chairperson, Oyo State Branch of IAC from 1990 to date.
- Member, American Public Health Association, 1974 to date.
- Member, Nigerian Association of Community Physicians, 1984 to date.
- Member, International Union against Smoking, 1982 to date.
- Member, International Organization on Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 1985 to date.
- Member, Sickle Cell Association of Nigeria, 1990 to date.
Honours and Awards
- Distinguished teacher award from Medical Doctor groups - MBBS 1985, 1986, and 1988.
- Full Gospel Business Men International Distinguished Member Award, 2022.
- Life Member Award by the Organization For Women in Science For The Developing World (OWSD), Ibadan Branch, May 2024.
Extracurricular Activities
Professor Onadeko is a foundation member of the Inter-African Committee (IAC) which campaigns against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful traditional practices. She co-founded the UCH/College of Medicine, Ibadan, Family Care Project for Widows, which has grown to support 220 widows with economic empowerment and financial assistance.
Family Life
Professor Onadeko married Emeritus Professor Babatunde Owolabi Onadeko, an internationally renowned clinician and pulmonologist, in 1968. They have four wonderful children and eight grandchildren.
Life in Retirement
In retirement, Professor Onadeko remains actively involved in advocacy against FGM and violence against women and girls. She is passionate about widows and has a regular outreach to support and encourage them. She also participates in prayer meetings and enjoys cooking, baking, dancing to gospel music, and gardening.
Photostory: Professor Modupe Onayinka Onadeko at the Pioneer Living Legend Event at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan in November, 2022
