Earlier today, a modest assembly of friends, family, mentees, academics, religious leaders, and other dignitaries gathered to celebrate Emeritus Professor Ayodele Falase as he turns 80. The closely-knit but elegant event took place on the pavement of one of the floors at the Emeritus Professor Ayodele Falase Hall for postgraduate students of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) situated within the University College Hospital premises.
The event was marked by solemn reflections on Emeritus Professor Falase’s life and legacy, with words, hymns, songs, prayers, and sermons of gratitude largely capturing what he stands for in his eight decades of profound leadership, influence, and humility. The birthday celebration was anchored by The Most Revd Joseph Akinfenwa, the first Archbishop of Ibadan, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
In her brief remark during the presentation of gifts to the celebrant, the Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, referenced a beautiful tribute written by the former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka, where he had mentioned that the celebrant’s “firmness, fairness, sense of justice and spartan lifestyle have always stood him in good stead while endearing him to many” [full link to his address: Tribute to Professor Emeritus Ayodele Olajide Falase at 80 by Idowu Olayinka]. Professor Omigbodun was flanked by the College’s Deputy Provost, Professor A.F. Adeniyi, the Secretary to the College, Mr. Emmanuel Odedele, the Dean of Students, University of Ibadan, Professor Adekeye Abiona, the Hall Master, Professor B.J Brown, the Hall Warden, Dr. Mary Osuh and Assistant Hall Warden, Dr. Opeyemi Sigbeku when making a presentation of a plaque, branded calendar pack on behalf of the hall, and some CoMUI souvenirs to the celebrant.
The Provost presenting the CoMUI merchandise to the celebrant, Emeritus Professor Ayodele Falase
and his wife, Dr. Adelola Falase
Dr. Adelola Falase shares an affectionate moment of prayer with her husband and celebrant, Emeritus Professor Ayodele Falase
Emeritus Professor Ayodele Falase with family
In his immediate response, Emeritus Professor Falase appreciated the University's leadership as represented for their thoughtful gifts. He acknowledged that he had wanted a very quiet celebration, and perhaps sleep through the day. He was thankful to The Most Revd Joseph Akinfenwa, whom he called his spiritual father, acknowledging his steadfast support right from his time as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, including celebrating the Retired Archbishop of Ondo Province, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Bishop George Latunji Lasebikan and other clergies who were present.
The event ended with a closing hymn and prayer.
Emeritus Professor Ayodele Olajide Falase was born on January 4, 1944. He is an exceptional Nigerian cardiologist and academic, renowned as one of Africa's foremost cardiologists. His career was marked by excellence and leadership. Famously, he served as the ninth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan from 2000 to 2005, where he left a mark of firm leadership, including his commitment to eradicating cultism and achieving that. He is a recipient of the Nigerian National Merit Award and a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science. He served as a WHO Expert Committee member on cardiopathies and played a crucial role in addressing challenges within the Nigerian University System. His autobiography, 'Great is His Faithfulness,' - which few copies were handed over to attendees at the event today - reflects his dedication to academia and provides insights into what it takes to manage a university on a tight budget.
As he celebrates his 80th birthday, the entire College of Medicine, University of Ibadan community is proud of our Living Legend, a former Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences and the 3rd Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. We are deeply honoured for Professor Ayodele Falase’s enduring service to humanity and wish him a happy birthday, with heartfelt wishes for continued health, prosperity, and peace of mind.
Photo Gallery
Emeritus Professor Ayodele Falase presents a personal portrait to be hung on the postgraduate
hall named after him.This was accompanied by other personal gifted books shared at the event.
The Provost dressing the celebrant with the CoMUI Living Legend sash, supported by the Deputy Provost, Prof. Adeniyi
The Celebrant shares a laugh with the Provost and the Secretary to the College
Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, the Provost with Professor Olusoji Ofi and Professor Olufemi A. Bamiro, the immediate Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan after expiration of Emeritus Professor Falase’s tenure. Professors Ofi and Bamiro both served as Deputy Vice Chancellors to the Celebrant when he was VC
The Provost speaking with Dr. Adelola Falase, wife of the celebrant, as the Secretary to the College and Deputy Provost look on
The Management Team in a group picture with Emeritus Professor Falase and wife, Dr. Adelola Falase
Professor Oyinade Olurin, first female professor of Medicine in Nigeria with Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS
Professor Olurin with former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Olayinka Idowu,and Secretary to the College, Mr. Emmanuel Odedele
The Management Team in picture with the immediate past Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor E.O. Olapade-Olaopa (2nd from the left)