The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), in collaboration with the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide (ICOMAA-WW), is proud to announce the inauguration of the Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP) Board. This milestone event took place on Saturday, 13th July 2024, during the Induction Programme for graduating students into the Medical and Dental Professions, held at the Paul Hendrickse Auditorium, University College Hospital, Ibadan. The Inauguration of the Board can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zocyVZzR0Yk including the speech by the G-SASP Chair at the event from 3:10:00 – 3:19:00.
The G-SASP is an evolution of the Sponsor A Student Programme (SASP), designed to provide critical financial support and scholarships to students at CoMUI who face economic hardships. The rebranded G-SASP is not just a continuation but a significant expansion of this initiative, aimed at ensuring that no student drops out or experiences negative consequences due to financial constraints.
The newly constituted G-SASP Board, consisting of CoMUI alumni from across the globe, will be at the helm of this initiative for the next five years. The Board’s role is crucial in providing oversight, ensuring accountability, and sustaining the programme through effective fundraising and resource management. Their responsibilities include working closely with ICOMAA Executives, CoMUI Management, and students to raise funds, select deserving students through a transparent process, and maintain the programme's sustainability.
In her address, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, FAS, Provost of CoMUI, emphasized the renewed commitment to the objectives of G-SASP. “The Global Sponsor A Student Programme represents our dedication to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals. Nothing has changed about our focus on financially challenged students, if anything, it is that we are ensuring that this dream grows and expands in the years to come on a global scale. Our students are the brightest and best of the best, money should never be a factor in impacting their dreams of finishing school.
By providing necessary scholarships and financial aid, we aim to promote an environment where every student, regardless of their financial background, can thrive and achieve their dreams,” she added.
The rebranding and expansion of the SASP into the G-SASP reflect a strategic move towards sustainability and long-term impact. It also speaks to the collective strength and commitment of the CoMUI alumni network to invest in the future of medical education in Nigeria.
The G-SASP Board as currently constituted includes Dr. Olabisi Oshikanlu (MBBS Class of 1985), who will serve as the Chairperson, and Professor Olubukola Adesina (MBBS Class of 1991) as the Co-Chairperson. They are joined by a team of dedicated alumni, including representatives from ICOMAA chapters in North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, and Nigeria. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and a shared vision of uplifting the College and its students. The full profiles of the board members are shared at the end of this news release.
The Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP) also includes distinguished alumni and administrative support staff. Among the alumni is Mr. Idowu Lawanson, who holds an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Ibadan, Class of 1986. Administrative support for the programme is provided by Lola Victoria Akinnitere from ICOMAA ADMIN, Eunice Umoren, who serves as SASP Admin I, Feyi Taiwo, SASP Admin II, Mary Aladelua, the SASP Accountant, Adeola Afolayan, the SASP Accountant Supervisor, and Oluyinka Adedayo, the SASP ADMIN Supervisor. Oluwaseun Abimbola will provide media outputs.
The programme also benefits from the guidance of Alumni Advice-givers, including Professor A.F. Adeniyi, who is a graduate of the Physiotherapy Class of 1999, a former President of ICOMAA WW, and Deputy Provost from 2020 to 2024. Additionally, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, a graduate of MBBS 1988 and the Incoming Provost (2024-2028), and Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, a graduate of MBBS 1985 and the Provost from 2020 to 2024, provide their expertise. The board is further supported by Professor Emmanuel Otolorin, a graduate of MBBS 1972 and the ICOMAA WW President from 2020 to 2024.
Here are email contacts for the G-SASP Programme for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Terms of Reference
For Clarity, The G-SASP Board will do the following:
- Provide a strong network of accountability and sustainability for the G-SASP.
- Work closely with the ICOMAA Executives and members, the CoMUI Management, staff and students to raise funds for the G-SASP.
- Select using the set criteria, students for the G-SASP in a transparent and competitive fashion.
- Ensure that no student at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan drops out of school or otherwise suffers negative consequences because of being financially challenged.
- Provide regular updates to funders, potential funders and the entire CoMUI community on the progress and challenges with the G-SASP.
- Raise funds to ensure that the G-SASP is eventually self-sustaining as an alumni programme nested within ICOMAA.
- Implement a risk management plan to address potential challenges and ensure the programme’s resilience and continuity.
- Establish and enforce a conflict-of-interest policy to maintain transparency and accountability.
- Carry out other activities deemed fit as the need arises.
As the G-SASP Board begins its work, CoMUI and ICOMAA-WW call on alumni and well-wishers to rally behind this noble cause. Together, we are building a foundation for excellence, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder the aspirations of the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Profiles of Board Members
Dr. Olabisi Oshikanlu, member of the graduating MBBS Class of 1985, University of Ibadan, FAAP, MBA, CPE, is an esteemed medical doctor, certified physician executive, and MBA graduate. She is the newly appointed Chairperson of the Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP). She is a Medical Director of Special Investigations Unit at Aetna-CVS, USA. Dr. Oshikanlu has significant experience in healthcare leadership, having founded Shalom Clinic for Children in 1996.
She is a John Maxwell certified coach, speaker, and trainer. Dr. Oshikanlu's commitment to education is demonstrated through her involvement with the Empowered for Greatness Foundation, which sponsors medical and law students at Olabisi Onabanjo University and Cecilia Oshikanlu scholars at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. Her expertise, leadership, and philanthropic work have significantly impacted the healthcare and education sectors.
Professor Olubukola A. Adesina, a graduate of the MBBS Class of 1991 from the University of Ibadan, is the Co-Chairperson of of the Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP). She is an alumna of Government College Agege, Lagos, where she served as Head Prefect, she was admitted to the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan in 1985, winning awards for her excellence in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. After completing her internship at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan (1991-1992), she served at the Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, and later worked at a private hospital in Lagos (1993-1995).
In 1995, she began her residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UCH, completing it in 2002. She then managed the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV program under the HARVARD-APIN program (2002-2004). Appointed Lecturer I at the University of Ibadan's College of Medicine in 2004, she achieved the rank of Professor in 2019.
Professor Adesina has held numerous roles, including congregation representative to the Senate, Faculty representative to the UCH/UI ethics committee, Chairman of the COMUI student welfare committee, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UCH, Chairman of the Undergraduate Departmental Committee, and Chairperson of the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Nigeria (SOGON) Western Sector. She is married with children.
Dr. Omofolarin Shitta-Bey, MBBS Graduating Class of 1986, MPH, MBA, is a seasoned healthcare executive and successful entrepreneur with a diverse background in aviation consulting, public health, and corporate finance from George Washington University (MPH) and the Johns Hopkins University (MBA). Dr. Shitta-Bey has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise, serving as a Board Member of the Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP) and a director on several boards. His contributions to the healthcare and business sectors have made him a valuable asset to the communities and organizations he serves.
Dr. Olabisi Pearse, MD, FAAP, MBBS (CoMUI 1987 Alumnus), is a distinguished medical professional and dedicated Board Member of Global Sponsor A Student Programme (G-SASP). She has also served as ex-officio member and former secretary of ICOMAA. Dr. Pearse's dedication to quality healthcare is evident in her positions as Area Practice Director for Urgent Care at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Chair of the Clinical Care committee. As a Quality Champion, she has demonstrated her commitment to patient safety and throughput, applying her expertise and leadership to drive improvements in these areas and become an essential contributor to the organizations she serves.
Dr. Adebanji Adeyoju graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, in 1988. He completed his house job at University College Hospital, Ibadan (1988-89), and pursued surgical training in Dublin, Ireland, before advancing to higher surgical training in Urology in the North-west of England, which he completed in 2002. Since October 2002, he has been a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Stepping Hill Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, providing services across multiple hospitals.
Dr. Adeyoju specializes in non-surgical and minimally-invasive endoscopic surgery for prostate enlargement and urinary tract stones, and he pioneered laparoscopic surgery for upper urinary tract conditions in North-west England. He was the Clinical Director of Urology from November 2011 to February 2018.
He has significantly contributed to the field through teaching, training, and committee involvement, including serving on the executive committee of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) and the question-writing committee for the FRCS(Urol.) examination.
Dr. Adeyoju has published over 45 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and served as the editor of yearbooks for the Ibadan Medical Specialists Group (IMSG-UK). He is the immediate past President and current IMSG-UK representative on the Sponsor a Student committee. He has actively supported the College of Medicine, Ibadan, for over two decades. Dr. Adeyoju is married to Dr. Olubunmi Adeyoju, and they have two sons who are both medical graduates.
His accolades include several Clinical Excellence Awards and a Medal Award for 1st position in the FRCSI exam (1992). He has published over 45 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and served as the editor of yearbooks for the Ibadan Medical Specialists Group (IMSG-UK). Dr. Adeyoju is the immediate past President of IMSG-UK and current IMSG-UK representative on the Sponsor a Student committee. He is married to Dr. Olubunmi Adeyoju, and they have two medical graduate sons.
Dr. Jumi Banjo is a member of the MBBS Graduating Class of 1990. She is a dedicated Consultant Psychiatrist at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Australia, and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland. With her extensive experience in General Adult Psychiatry and passion for education, Dr. Banjo has become an invaluable asset to both the healthcare and academic sectors
Dr. Akinsola Akinbiyi is of the MBBS Class of 1990 and represents the ICOMAA Australia & New Zealand chapter. Dr. Akinsola Akinbiyi is a dedicated psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience, specializing in adult and cross-cultural psychiatry. He holds fellowship qualifications from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMCPsych).
Currently, Dr. Akinbiyi serves as a Consultant Psychiatrist at Mercy Mental Health, Wallace Avenue Specialists Suite, and Wyndham Clinic Private Hospital, where he also directs the Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) program. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Notre Dame Australia. His previous roles include Staff Psychiatrist, Clozapine Consultant, and Director of ECT at Mercy Mental Health.
Dr. Akinbiyi is committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of medical professionals. He is the President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Australia/New Zealand (ICOMAA AUS/NZ) and the Director of the Foundation at the Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour. His leadership and dedication to mental health care and medical education have made a significant impact on both his community and the broader medical field.
Dr. Adeyemi Adedeji, Physiotherapy graduate of the CoMUI Class of 1997, has spent over 22 years in adult disability and rehabilitation, currently serving as a Senior Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist with the Brothers of Charity services in Ireland. A devoted and engaged member of ICOMAA UK & Ireland, Dr. Adedeji has remained connected to his roots by returning to Nigeria to contribute to the development of the College of Medicine and the department of Physiotherapy
In addition to his Physiotherapy degree, Dr. Adedeji has obtained several postgraduate qualifications from respected institutions across the globe, including the University of Limerick (Ireland), Queen Margaret University (Scotland), and Northeastern University (USA).
Dr. Adedeji's clinical training has given him expertise in diverse fields like geriatric care, paediatrics, sports injury management, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Adedeji is the CEO of Fitmed Healthcare and a Director in Victoria Healthcare organization in Ireland. He has served in various leadership positions, including as the social secretary of the association of Physiotherapy students at UI and as a member of the Students' Representative Council.
Dr. Adedeji's personal and professional life exemplify a deep commitment to giving back to his community. He is an ordained Pastor, a devoted family man with three children, and an active member of ICOMAA.
Dr. Bosede Adebayo is a graduate of CoMUI MBSS Class of 2000. She is a passionate Paediatric Cardiologist committed to the health and well-being of children.
Dedicated to improving pediatric health, Dr. Adebayo is a lecturer and coordinator of undergraduate medical students at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. A Fellow of the National Postgraduate College of Paediatrics, she is also an honorary consultant at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Dr. Adebayo is deeply involved in the Global - Sponsor, a student programme (G-SASP) board of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, serving as its secretary.
Dr. Gbolahan Oladele Obajimi, of the CoMUI MBBS Class of 2000, is the Secretary-General of ICOMAA Worldwide. He graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, in November 2000 and completed his internship at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. He participated in the National Youth Service Corps at the National Hospital, Abuja, and began his residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UCH in October 2002, earning the Fellowship of the West African College of Surgeons in April 2008. He also holds a master’s degree in Population and Reproductive Health.
Dr. Obajimi pursued a Sub-Specialist program in Assisted Reproduction at Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, in 2008, and completed a Mini-Fellowship at McGill University, Canada, in 2011. He worked at Reddington Multi-Specialist Hospital before becoming a Lecturer I at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and an Honorary Consultant at UCH in August 2012. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in October 2018.
Dr. Obajimi has published over 60 papers and book chapters, focusing on infertility, assisted conception, and gynaecological endoscopy. He has participated in over 2000 IVF cycles and has research interests in andrology and reproductive endocrinology. He is a member of numerous professional associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, Society for Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Nigeria, and the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology.
Dr. Obajimi enjoys traveling, listening to music, and swimming. He is a visiting consultant to several health institutions and an examiner with the West African College of Surgeons. He has held various administrative roles, including General Secretary and Vice-Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association, UCH Chapter. He is currently the Sub-Dean Undergraduate of the MBBS program at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. He is happily married to Dr. Olukemi Obajimi, and they have two children, Toluwanimi and Kanyinsola.
Dr. Adebola Hassan, CoMUI MBSS Class of 2002, is a highly accomplished Public Health Executive and Global Health leader. As the Title V MCH Director for the state of Illinois, USA, she applies her expertise to improve public health outcomes.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Hassan dedicates her time to various voluntary roles, including serving as chair of the POUCH '98 scholarship committee and Upwardly Global. She is a self-described "family enthusiast," and she also enjoys gardening.
Mr. Idowu Lawanson graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Ilorin and a Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Ibadan. Since then, he has built a distinguished career in the chemical industry. After starting his career as a lecturer, he joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), retiring as Manager of Supply Chain Management.
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