The Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI) and University College Hospital (UCH) on Friday February 7, 2025 held a valedictory program in commemoration of the 70th birthday and retirement of the 9th Provost, COMUI, Professor Olusegun Olusina Akinyinka, mni. This was to mark his official exit as he officially bowed out of the institutions after 36 years of meritorious service. The event which took place at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre of the institution was hosted by Professor T.O. Ogundiran FAS (Provost, COMUI) and Professor J. A. Otegbayo (Chief Medical Director, UCH) respectively.
The celebrant was in the company of his wife, Mrs. Valentina Olubisi Akinyinka, children, grandchildren, members of his extended family and friends.
On the roll call were principal officers from the University of Ibadan(UI), College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI), and University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Among them were: The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor K.O. Adebowale mni, FAS represented by Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju (Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic), Mr. G.O. Saliu (Registrar, UI), Professor T.A. Lawal (Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, COMUI) and Professor B.J. Brown (Head, Department of Paediatrics).
The special guests of honour at the occasion were Chief ‘Wole Olanipekun SAN, CFR and Senator Comrade Adams Oshiomhole CON, mni (who joined the meeting virtually).
Also present either virtually or physically were fellow academics and colleagues of the celebrant from across the medical profession as well as dignitaries from all walks of life. The list of attendees included former Vice Chancellors (UI), past Provosts and Deputy Provosts (COMUI), past CMDs (UCH), Deans of Faculties, Directors of Institutes, past Presidents of ICOMAA Worldwide, Heads of Departments, well-wishers and gentlemen of the Press.
The event was also used as a platform to launch the book titled: ‘ADOLESCENT HEALTH IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: Challenges, Policies, and Future Direction”. The Chief Launcher was Arch Bamidele O. Samson while Professor Morenike Ukpong took the audience through a stimulating review of the compendium.
The major highlight of the event was the valedictory lecture given by the celebrant. It was titled SERENDIPITY AND THE JOURNEY THROUGH ACADEMIA AND MEDICINE: MY SWAN SONG AND CONVERSATIONS WITH TOMORROW. The lecture chronicled the journey of the erudite scholar speaking to his achievements both as a clinician, a teacher and an administrator.
In appreciation of his impactful life and unwavering supports to the progress of the institution, the Provost, CoMUI decorated Professor Akinyinka with a special sash as an insignia of his newly acquired status as a Living Legend of COMUI.
The Department of Paediatrics under the able leadership of the Head, Professor B.J.Brown presented and freely distributed a Book of Tributes published in honour of the celebrant. They also announced the endowment of a Departmental Prize for the Best Graduating Student in honor of the celebrant and sponsored by his mentees across the globe.
The vote of thanks for the remarkable event was said by the Chairman of Planning Committee, Dr. B.O. Ogunbosi.
