The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI) officially commissioned Block C, the first of six blocks of its alumni-funded new student hostel project. This block was generously donated by Professor Philip O. Ozuah, MD, PhD- President and CEO of Montefiore Medical Centre and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, United States. The commissioning ceremony coincided with the 40th anniversary reunion of the MBBS and BDS Class of 1985, the alumni set to which Professor Ozuah belongs.
This milestone in COMUI’s history drew dignitaries from Nigeria and across the globe. These distinguished personalities joined the management of the University of Ibadan (UI), COMUI, and the University College Hospital (UCH) to commission the newly completed edifice.
The array of dignitaries attracted by the event reflects the wide-reaching significance and support for this landmark achievement.
Professor K.O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, while declaring the hostel open, expressed deep gratitude to the donor for his visionary support in advancing medical education in Africa. He applauded the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association, Worldwide (ICOMAA WW) for their tireless efforts. He equally appreciated everyone who contributed meaningfully to the project’s success. Professor Adebowale emphasized that the success of this project should serve as a clarion call to other alumni and friends of the University. He said, “There is still more work to be done in advancing our infrastructure and academic offerings. Let us emulate Professor Ozuah by investing in initiatives that will sustain our institution’s leadership in education and research”. He charged the students to honour the legacy born out of sacrifice and goodwill by maintaining the hostel facilities, upholding the highest standards of discipline, and excelling in their studies. “Let this space inspire you to greatness, just as the alumni who built it have been inspired by their time at Ibadan,” he added.
In his remarks, Professor T.O. Ogundiran, FAS, Provost, COMUI - represented by Professor S.B. Olaleye, Deputy Provost- appreciated the kind gestures of Professor Ozuah to the COMUI. He explained that COMUI had nearly lost its accreditation due to the unavailability of hostel space for students within the school premises. He mentioned that this hostel deficit was a challenge always identified by past National University Commission (NUC) accreditation teams to the University. Professor Ogundiran thanked the immediate past Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun – a distinguished member of the Class of 1985 and the former Deputy Provost, Professor A.F. Adeniyi for their visionary tenure and many accomplishments including their outreach to Professor Philip Ozuah and others to help resolve the pressing accommodation challenge. He also expressed gratitude to the management of UCH led by Professor J.A. Otegbayo, the Chief Medical Director - represented by Professor Bukola Adesina, Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), for the donation of the land on which the hostel is situated.
In his address, Professor S.I. Omokhodion – President, ICOMAA Worldwide congratulated the Class of 1985 on its milestone anniversary. He saluted Professor Philip Ozuah for his unparalleled generosity in single-handedly funding the hostel block to the tune of $1,000,000 USD. He further called attention to the other blocks under construction and acknowledged the invaluable contributions made by alumni chapters world wide– including North America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. “These chapters have been instrumental in driving forward this laudable project. To all our contributors, we extend our profound gratitude for your generosity, vision, and belief in the future of the University of Ibadan,”.
One of the highlights of the day’s celebrations was the anniversary reunion lecture titled “A Medical Journey,” delivered by Professor Ozuah. His address traced the evolution of medical practice and emphasized the transformative role of visionary leadership in healthcare. The lecture set a reflective and inspiring tone that complemented the day’s events, which also included interactive sessions, panel discussions and awards ceremony.
The event witnessed a number of goodwill messages from several distinguished personalities and special guests of honour. These included; His Excellency, Barrister Bayo Lawal- Deputy Governor, Oyo State; His Excellency, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai – Deputy Governor, Enugu State; Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa – The Honourable Minister of Education; Honourable. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa – Chairman/Chief, Executive Officer, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); and His Excellency, Ambassador Abubakar Jidda – Consul General, Nigeria Mission, New York. Their words of encouragement and reflection added depth and meaning to the celebration.
Guests were taken on a guided tour of the hostel building sites, led by the building committee co-chairs, Professor Gbemisola Oke, FNAMed and Major General (Dr.) ‘Shina Ogunbiyi (rtd), mni, FNAMed accompanied by the coordinating architects.
The event was brought to a close with a profound vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Abib Olamitoye- former President, ICOMAA Worldwide (2015-2019) and a distinguished member of the Class of 1985, who appreciated everyone for their presence, contributions, and unwavering commitment to the collective dream.
Biomedical Communication Centre (BCC COMUI)