As we draw the curtain on our tenure, I want to put my appreciation and admiration for Dr. Babafemi Taiwo on record.
Dr. Babafemi Olapoju Taiwo is a College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) alumnus of the MBBS/BDS Class of 1991 and he has made significant strides in the field of infectious diseases. After earning his MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Dr. Taiwo completed his postgraduate training at the University of Massachusetts Berkshire Medical Center and subspecialty training in Infectious Diseases at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Currently, he serves as the Gene Stollerman Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Northwestern University, where his leadership and expertise have been critical in advancing HIV research and clinical care, notably through his role in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG).
Dr. Taiwo’s contributions to medical research are extensive, with over 160 publications and 96 grants under his belt. He has played a crucial role in discovering novel antiretroviral treatments aimed at optimising virologic control and addressing residual inflammation and immune activation in HIV patients. His work earned him the John Carey Young Investigator Award in 2009 for his research on HIV resistance and the management of co-infections. His dedication to research is also reflected in his editorial roles, including as the Editor of the HIV section of the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
Beyond his contributions to HIV research, Dr. Taiwo was instrumental in the fight against COVID-19. He led Northwestern’s branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) clinical trial of remdesivir, an antiviral drug that has proven effective in treating COVID-19 patients. His work in this area has been critical in the global effort to find effective treatments for the virus. Dr. Taiwo's commitment to global health also extends to his efforts in medical education and research capacity building. He has led NIH/Fogarty-funded programmes, including the Multidisciplinary NeuroAIDS Research Training to Improve HIV Outcomes in Nigeria. His dedication to improving healthcare in resource-limited settings and his ongoing connection to his alma mater, the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, stress his passion for making a global impact.
During his recent visit to the College, Dr. Taiwo delivered a keynote address that emphasized the crucial role of research in driving progress, particularly in the area of NeuroAIDS. He highlighted the importance of securing grants to fund innovative research initiatives, such as the Multidisciplinary NeuroAIDS Research & Training Program and other impactful projects. In his presentation, he hammered on the values of optimism, collaboration, intentionality, and network building in successfully pursuing research grants.
The event was an indication of Dr. Taiwo's dedication to promoting research capacity and collaboration at CoMUI. His passion for building capacity, training individuals, and sharing his insights into the path of research left a lasting impression on all attendees. In recognition of his all-around excellence and his significant contributions to the field, I was honored to present Dr. Taiwo with a well-deserved award for his years of collaboration in research and capacity building in the College before, during and even afterd my time as Provost. The event also served as an inspiring moment for students and faculty alike which reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration in achieving research excellence.
Presenting Prof. Babafemi Taiwo an award in recognition of his all-round excellence
Prof. Babafemi Taiwo with Medical Students of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan
Dr. Babafemi Taiwo's remarkable achievements and commitment to excellence make him a true example and inspiration for us all. As Provost, I am deeply proud of his enduring connection to CoMUI and his continued efforts to uplift our community and advance global health.
Thank you, Dr. Babafemi Olapoju Taiwo. We are eternally grateful to you.
Olayinka Omigbodun FAS
Professor of Psychiatry & Provost
A group picture of the College Management Team, Past Provosts, mentees, students and researchers with Dr. Babafemi Taiwo
The Provost appreciating Prof. Babafemi Taiwo
Prof. Babafemi Taiwo giving his presentation
A medical student, Ogunlana Olaoluwaposi, appreciating Prof. Babafemi Taiwo
Dr. M. O. Adewumi appreciating Prof. Babafemi Taiwo for being an inspiration
From Left to Right: Mrs. Funmilayo Omisore, Prof. Ikeoluwa Ajayi, Mr. Emmanuel Odedele, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, Prof. Babafemi Taiwo, Mr. Samson Ayansina, Prof. Ogbole
Prof. Babafemi Taiwo appreciating his teachers, the Provost and everyone present
Prof. Babafemi Taiwo with mentees of the NeuroAIDS grant
Prof. Babafemi Taiwo,with the Provost, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun and representatives of the Medical Student body of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.
From left-right: Dr. Kenny Kuti, Dr. Bibilola Oladeji, Dr. M. O. Adewumi, Prof. Babafemi Tawio, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, Prof. Ogbole