On behalf of the Staff, Students and Alumni of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), I congratulate Professor Elsie Olufunke Adewoye, FNISLT, MSc., PhD, Distinguished Professor of Physiology and President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), as she attains the privileged age of 70 in health and strength today 7 September 2022.
I thereby share a beautiful tribute to Professor Adewoye, written by the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, another woman of distinction, Professor Oyeronke A Odunola:
“Today, Wednesday, 07 September 2022, we celebrate a Scholar, Physiologist of repute, an Elegant and Eloquent personality at 70 - PROF. ELSIE OLUFUNKE ADEWOYE, FNISLT, MSc., PhD. Professor Elsie O. Adewoye, a daughter of the soil, was born 70 years ago at Baba Isale, Oke Offa, in Ibadan the capital of Oyo State, Nigeria. Prof. Adewoye, began her accolades for excellence with a certification in Physiology/Pharmacology Techniques from City and Guilds, London Institute in 1973 and 1976. She became an Associate of the Institute of Science Technology, London in 1978 and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Science Technology in 1987.
Prof. Adewoye's Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology, were in 1990 and 1998 at University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Prof. Adewoye, a University of London British Council Exchange Scholar, and Fellow of the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), joined the academic staff of the Department of Physiology in 1996 and rose through the ranks to become Professor of Physiology in 2016. She meritoriously served the Department of Physiology in various capacity ranging from Coordinator of B.Sc. Programmes (2001 – 2003; 2006 – 2013), Coordinator of Postgraduate Programmes (2011 – 2014) and finally as Head of Department (2020 - 2022). Her kind heartedness was brought to fore as the Chairperson, Welfare Committee of the department for many years.
A veritable teacher and seasoned researcher whose pen pushing ability spans Membrane Biochemistry, Medical Education, Pathophysiology of Diabetes and Malaria, had mentored many physiologists who are now academics in different universities and excellently marching to their academic pinnacles.
Prof. Adewoye belongs to several cognate academic and professional bodies including - The Nigerian Institute of Science Technology; Physiological Society of Nigeria, Nigeria; The Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology; International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE), U.S.A.; African Association of Physiological Society and Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE). In recognition of her contributions to the development of Physiology in Africa, she was elected into the Council of African Association of Physiological Society in 2016.
In the University community, she was an Assistant Warden, Idia Hall (2000 – 2002), Warden, Idia Hall (2003 – 2006); Faculty Representative on University Ceremonial Committee (2012); Hall Mistress, Queen Elizabeth Hall (2019 – 2022) and a Member, Governing Council, University of Ibadan (2018 – 2022).
Prof. Adewoye's slogan of 'giving back to the system’ was exemplified by romance with the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA). She served in different capacity to maintain the prominence UIAA has garnered over the years. She served as: Treasurer, UIAA Worldwide; Financial Secretary, UIAA Worldwide; Chairman, Lecture Committee, UIAA Worldwide; Pioneer Chairperson, UIAA – UI Chapter and currently, as the President, UIAA Worldwide. Her tenure as President, witnessed many projects with unprecedented timeline, a classical example is the multi-million naira 500 seater capacity lecture theatre being constructed at the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. Her penchant for excellence is a driving force that is pushing the project to completion within three months of turning the sod.
Prof. Adewoye loves music, gardening and traveling. She is blessed with award-winning children and grandchildren.
As we roll out the drums today to celebrate Professor Elsie Olufunke Adewoye’s birthday and retirement from the University of Ibadan, we are confident that with her deep-rooted love for community services, she will continue to serve the University in other capacities as her relevance will continue to drive the development of the Institution through the UIAA.
Ojogbon'birin Elsie, Olufunke Aya Adewoye,
Ibadan omo ajorosun, Omo agbo sasa mo sa,
Omo agbo yaya mo ya,
Igba Odun, Odun kan ni o.
Kindly join me in congratulating Prof. Elsie Adewoye and wishing her a happy birthday and retirement. We pray for more Grace for her in retirement”.
Professor Oyeronke A Odunola
Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (FBMS)
College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
Once again, I congratulate Professor Adewoye for the grace given to her commence a new season of life in health and strength.
Olayinka Omigbodun
Professor of Psychiatry and Provost
