The commissioning of the Felix Ohiwerei OFR E-Learning Studio, marked with great enthusiasm and appreciation by everyone present, took place on the 22nd July of 2024 at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. This cutting-edge facility is a generous contribution from the Nigerian Breweries – Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund in collaboration with the MBBS (Ibadan) Graduating Class of 1974 and the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. The unveiling of the studio represents a major leap forward in the integration of advanced technology into medical education at the College.
The commissioning of the E-learning Studio by Mrs. Sade Morgan, flanked by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration),
Prof. Peter Olapegba, Representatives of Elder Felix Ohiwerei-Prof. & Dr. Mrs. Ajav and the Provost, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun FAS
Prior to the start of the event, the Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, welcomed the Vice-Chancellor Professor K.O Adebowale FAS mni, ably represented by Professor Peter Olapegba (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Admin.), representative of Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. Adejoke Akinyele (Dean, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources), the College’s Management Team, representatives of Elder Felix Ohiwerei, Prof. and Dr. Mrs. Ajav, and the Nigerian Breweries team, led by Mrs. Sade Morgan, to her office.
Representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Olapegba (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Admin.) smiles on as the Provost (left),
Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS does a quick introduction of everyone present in her office.
Also present at the reception at the Provost’s Office were the Deputy Provost, Professor Ade Fatai Adeniyi who compered the event, the Provost-elect and the current Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Professor Temidayo O. Ogundiran FAS, Secretary to the College, Mr. Emmanuel Odedele, Financial Controller, Mr. Samson Ayansina, and the Medical Librarian and Deputy University Librarian, Dr. Grace Ada Ajuwon.
The Provost was quick to specially acknowledge and appreciate the University of Ibadan Endowment Chairperson, and also Chairperson of the University College Hospital and the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan Endowment Fund, in person of Dr. Toyin Phillips, whom she described as a very distinguished person and philanthropist in the finance world. It was through Dr. Phillips’ link with The Nigerian Breweries – Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund that the funding for the College became possible. This ensured the Nigerian Breweries could provide donations for the supply of medical equipment, mannequins and administrative furniture at the College of Medical Education Unit (CMEU) which has been an erstwhile donation before the investment in the E-Learning Studio.
The Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS showing the Programme booklet to Mrs. Sade Morgan,
the Corporate Affairs Director at Nigerian Breweries during the initial courtesy call to her office before the start of the event while Dr. Tony Philips looks on.
After special introductions were done by the Provost, she thereafter led the guests to the Central Foyer of the Library Vertical Extension Building, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, (CoMUI) where the commissioning ceremony was to be held.
The Provost leading the guests to the venue of the event after the mini reception at her Office
In her opening remarks at the event, the Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the College of Medicine to Nigerian Breweries PLC, and to the Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Sade Morgan, for their generous support to the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan through the Nigerian Breweries - Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.
She acknowledged all the Nigerian Breweries team members who came from Lagos and Ibadan: Mr. Akinwale, the Enquiry Manager; Mr. Ayodele Alabi, Head of Integrated Communications, Corporate Affairs; Mr. Chukwuemeka, Head of Sustainability and Regulatory Relations, Corporate Affairs; Mr. Danjuma John, Corporate Affairs Manager; Mr. Oluseye Olokun, Sustainability and TRS Manager, Corporate Affairs; Mr. Emmanuel, Regional Logistics Manager; Mr. Babatunde Dawudu, Total Production Maintenance and Capability Manager; and Mr. Babatunde, Corporate Affairs Advisor for the Western Region. She also recognised and appreciated the Director of the College of Medicine Education Unit, Professor Augustine A. Adeolu.
The Provost highlighted the immense benefits the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, had received from these philanthropic initiatives. She recalled that during Felix Ohiwerei's tenure as Chairman of the Council of the University of Ibadan and the Court of Governors of the College of Medicine from 1999 to 2004, he facilitated the donation of an entire building for the Department of Physiotherapy, significantly enhancing training, research, and service delivery in that field.
Professor Omigbodun also mentioned that from 2015 to 2020, under the leadership of Dr. Toyin Phillips, Chairperson of the Endowment Fund for UCH and the College of Medicine, and through the Nigerian Breweries Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, the College received substantial donations of mannequins for the Clinical Skills Laboratory. These mannequins provided students with valuable hands-on practical experience in a controlled environment, elevating the Clinical Skills Laboratory to a standard comparable to world-class universities in medical education. This upgrade helped the College retain its accreditation for training medical students and other healthcare professionals.
The Provost whilst giving her Introduction and Welcome Speech at the Commissioning
She listed several donations received, including electrical appliances, a 35kVA diesel industrial generator, various mannequins (5 eye trainer mannequins, 3 air trainers, a male rectal examination trainer, a prompt flex birthing simulator, a paraphernalia trainer, an ultrasound trainer, and an airway suction trainer), 100 stackable chairs, 2 safety lockers, 2 reception tables, 2 reception chairs, 11 mental visitor chairs, 3 workstations, 10 workstation chairs, 10 crowd cabinets, 1 executive table and chair for the director's office, 2 visitor chairs for the director's office, a secretary's table and chair, 34 2HP split air conditioners (indoor and outdoor), 2 projectors, television sets, 4 DVDs, a Dell laptop, and the provision of 100 MBP internet bandwidth, among other items. She expressed appreciation once again to Nigerian Breweries for their support and donations, and also acknowledged Dr. Lawal, Professor Bade Omololu, and others who had contributed to the College of Medicine Education Unit (CMEU).
Professor Omigbodun emphasised the ongoing need for support and the significant impact of NBL’s contributions. She recounted the inception of the E-Learning Studio during the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a rapid transition to e-learning. This transition has since become a permanent feature. She explained that her administration requested the allocated funds for this purpose, aligning with the university’s five-year strategic plan for effective e-learning, driven by Professor Adesola Odole, the Chair of the College’s E-Learning Committee. She noted the College’s rapid assessments and their commitment to e-learning, expressing gratitude and delight in the partnership that would enhance their educational offerings.
She acknowledged and appreciated Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare, the Director of the Biomedical Communication Centre (BCC), for her excellent work on making the E-Learning Studio a reality. She also mentioned the Strategic Management and Leadership Programmes, noting the MBBS Class of 1974's donations for online leadership training programmes. She expressed appreciation to individuals from the class who assisted in setting up the studio, including the donation of 7.7 million naira to purchase of alternative power use through solar energy/inverter and 11.7-million-naira contribution from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan to purchase some items in the studio. All these were in addition to the 40-million-naira donation from the Nigeria Breweries – Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to the funding of the studio.
The Provost, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, recognising and applauding the role of the Acting Director of the Biomedical Communications Centre,
Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare in the construction of the E-Learning Studio
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olapegba, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, thanked everyone for attending and acknowledged key individuals, including the ICOMAA presidents past and present, the past, current, and incoming Provosts, the NBL management, and Elder Felix Ohiwerei. He appreciated Nigerian Breweries for their past, ongoing, and future support for the college and centring the establishment of the studio at the College to improve academic training with technology. Professor Olapegba also acknowledged the yeoman’s work of the Provost in her time at the helms of leadership and for spearheading critical projects and initiatives that have been beneficial to the College institution and casting an important light on the University community too.
In her remarks, Dr. Olutoyin Philips expressed gratitude to God, the Provost for her hard work, and everyone who contributed to making the E-learning Studio possible. She thanked the Vice Chancellor and Elder Felix Ohiwerei for their continuous support towards creating a learning environment driven by great impacts. The Provost then presented a souvenir to Dr. Toyin Philips on behalf of the College.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Olapegba, giving his address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor,
University of Ibadan, Professor K.O Adebowale FAS mni
The Provost, Professor Omigbodun and the Deputy Provost, who was also the compere at the event, Professor A.F Adeniyi,
presenting Dr. Toyin Phillips with the College’s 'Built-to-Build' sash and other merchandise and souvenirs
The Nigerian Breweries Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Sade Morgan, in her remarks, highlighted the special relationship between Nigerian Breweries and the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. She noted that this partnership began nearly 25 years ago with the building of the Department of Physiotherapy, driven by Elder Felix Ohiwerei, and has continued with significant contributions like the 90 million naira committed in 2015 and the 42-million-naira worth of medical training equipment donated in 2020.
In the spirit of the College’s routine hospitality, the Provost presents the College merchandise to Mrs. Sade Morgan.
She emphasised the importance of preparing the next generation of doctors and reaffirmed Nigerian Breweries' commitment to supporting the College of Medicine and other educational institutions. She praised the establishment of the world-class E-learning Studio, funded by the Education Trust Fund and the MBBS Class of 1974. This studio includes a production studio for creating video content and a live studio for real-time presentations, online tutorials, and Q&A sessions, equipped with advanced lighting, a green backdrop, and interactive boards.
Thereafter, Mrs. Morgan, with the Vice Chancellor, commissioned the E-learning Studio, named the Felix Ohiwerei E-learning Studio, and expressed heartfelt thanks to the College for their faith and support, looking forward to future collaborations.
From left-right: Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, Mrs. Sade Morgan,
Prof. Peter Olapegba and Prof. Emmanuel Ajav (representative of Elder Felix Ohiwerei at the event)
Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare leading the team into the E-learning studio for a quick tour of the studio
Right after the commissioning, Dr. Olayinka Egbokhare led the team into the studio and there was also a demonstration of the full use of the studio were done by Mr. Chuka Ononye, Communications and Research Uptake Manager on the SUpport, Comprehensive Care and EmpowErment for people with psychosocial Disability in Africa (SUCCEED Africa) Project with Mrs. Mayowa Malomo, a Peer Researcher with lived experience of mental illness, on the same project. Iyeyinka Kusi-Mensah also gave a mock lecture using the interactive board in the studio.
The E-learning Studio is a state-of-the-art, padded, sound-proof recording facility equipped with cutting-edge technology for both live and recorded lecture sessions. It features a giant multimedia interactive board for dynamic presentations and real-time engagement. Additionally, it is equipped with a green screen backdrop, enabling the integration of diverse visual content and virtual backgrounds. The studio is designed to create high-quality educational content, incorporating elements such as images, motion graphics, and sound, ensuring an immersive and interactive learning experience for students and faculty alike.
Mrs. Malomo and Mr. Ononye in a podcast session in the studio as the Provost admiringly looks on.
Iyeyinka Kusi-Mensah giving her mock lecture to demonstrate the use of the interactive board at the studio for recorded or live lecture sessions
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olapegba, poses for a picture with
Mrs. Morgan and Professor Omigbodun at the studio
In her informal conversations at the event, the Provost also expressed enthusiasm that the Felix Ohiwerei E-Learning Studio will be a centre of excellence in e-learning, providing innovative, accessible, and sustainable educational solutions that enhance the academic experience as well as promote a culture of lifelong learning. The potential framework of operation is to allow the studio be run as a self-sustaining business venture which will not only generate revenue for the College but equally provide high-quality e-learning services that meet global standards.
After Commissioning of the E-Learning Studio, Director of the College of Medicine Education Unit, Professor Augustine A. Adeolu, led the team to unveil the plaque of the Clinical Skills laboratories (including medical equipment, mannequins, etc.) and Administrative Offices at the College of Medicine Education Unit by Mrs. Morgan. This had been commissioned in 2020. The NBL team and other representatives were taken to various laboratories in the CMEU where selected students carried out demonstrations on the mannequins.
Photostory: Demonstrations at the College Medical Education Unit (CMEU)
Mrs. Morgan performing the ceremonial cutting of ribbon at the CMEU floor before entering into the clinical labs
Professor Yinka Olawoye, a Surgeon and an instructor in the CMEU giving an explanation of what is done in the Breast Examination Laboratory
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. P. O. Olapegba, Director of the Nigerian Breweries, Mrs. Sade Morgan and one of the representatives of the
Nigeria Breweries flanked by 400-level students and their instructor in the Breast Examination Laboratory.
A 400-level student of the College of Medicine giving a demonstration in the Male & Female Pelvic Examination Laboratory
An instructor with his students, explaining how things are done in the Venepuncture/ Cannulation Laboratory
A 400-level student at the College of Medicine performing a demonstration in the Venepuncture/ Cannulation Laboratory
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. P. O. Olapegba, and the Corporate Affairs Director of the Nigerian Breweries,
Mrs. Sade Morgan, seated in the Clinical Skills Laboratory room
The event came to an end after closing remarks were given by the Director, CMEU, Professor A. Adeolu, incoming Provost, Professor T. Ogundiran FAS, and the representative of Elder Felix Ohiwerei, Professor Emmanuel Ajav at the Clinical Skills Laboratory room.
The Secretary to the College, Mr. Emmanuel Odedele, gave the vote of thanks.