The Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (ICVDs) of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), has officially launched its maiden programmes for the 2024/2025 academic session. The new courses include a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Cardiac Rehabilitation and a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Geriatric Cardiovascular Sciences.
The event also marked the commissioning of sixty (60) newly installed lecture room chairs.Representing the Provost, Professor T.O. Ogundiran, FAS, the Deputy Provost, Professor S.B. Olaleye, commended the generosity of the donors: the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Chapters in North America, the United Kingdom (UK), and Ireland. He acknowledged their unwavering support for the institute. Professor Olaleye emphasized the critical need for more investment in the healthcare sector.
In his remarks, Professor T.A. Lawal, Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, lauded Emeritus Professor S.I. Omokhodion, President, Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA Worldwide), and his wife, Professor Folasade Omokhodion, for their commitment to the completion of the multi-disciplinary clinical building for the institute. He described Professor Omokhodion as “a visionary leader whose efforts continue to shape the future of clinical training and care in Nigeria”.
The event was attended by members of COMUI community and the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Among them were: Professor Lola Ladapo, Dr. O.M. Adebayo, Dr. Obaro Micheal, and Dr. David A. Adewole. Also, in attendance were the pioneer students of the newly inaugurated Master’s programmes: JAYEOLA, Mayode Blessing (B. Tech, Physiology) enrolled for Master’s in Cardiac Rehabilitation; YUH, Ida Nabi (B.Sc. Nursing Sciences) studying for a Master’s in Geriatric Cardiovascular Sciences; OJEANELO, Michael E. (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) pursuing a Master’s in Cardiac Rehabilitation), and OLUWAMUYIWA, Oluwatoke (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) registered for a Master’s in Cardiac Rehabilitation).
In his address, the Director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Emeritus Professor S.I. Omokhodion announced that the proposed Cardiovascular Research and Training Centre at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, is poised to advance cardiovascular health in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. He observed that cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and that the region is experiencing a sharp rise in cases due to lifestyle changes, urbanisation, and increasing prevalence of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Professor Omokhodion emphasized the urgency for Nigeria, as the most populous country in the region, to address this looming health crisis. He noted that one of the centre’s core missions is to train the next generation of specialists, researchers, and healthcare professionals in cutting-edge cardiovascular medicine.
He affirmed that the research to be conducted at the centre will have far-reaching impacts, both locally and globally. According to him, the centre will lead efforts in exploring new treatments, technologies, and methodologies, with research serving as the backbone.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Professor Omokhodion expressed gratitude to the management of the University of Ibadan and CoMUI for their steadfast support over the years. He also extended his appreciation to the donors of the newly installed lecture chairs for their kind gesture. He then made a call for others to support the centre, saying, “becoming a donor to the centre is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Every donation, whether large or small, will directly contribute to the realisation of this project- from purchasing life-saving equipment to funding community outreach and public health education programmes aimed at mitigating the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases”.
BCC (COMUI)