The Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) United Kingdom and Ireland inauguration took place promptly at 2100hrs on May 18, 2023, commencing with opening remarks by Professor Emmanuel Otolorin, the President of ICOMAA Worldwide.
Dr. Gbolahan Obajimi, the General Secretary of ICOMAA WW, served as the event moderator.
During his address, Prof. Otolorin emphasized the significant initiatives undertaken by ICOMAA, particularly the ongoing support required for the Student Hostel project. He also highlighted other programmes such as the Sponsor a Student Programme (SASP), orientation and induction programmes for incoming students, evenings of reminiscence with the Provost, and attendance at valedictory services for retiring teachers.
He expressed gratitude for the generous contributions from the Alumni, both in terms of cash donations and sponsorship of various projects, including the Hospice and Palliative Care unit established by the Class of 1988 in the University College Hospital, Ibadan. He also mentioned the creation of 13 additional ICOMAA WhatsApp groups for alumni outreach.
Following Prof. Otolorin's remarks, the Provost, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun FAS, during the virtual meeting, addressed the attendees, highlighting the pressing requirement for alumni to make contributions to the College. She stated how problems with funding access especially with the housing of research grants in the Treasury Single Account, jeopardize the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan’s (CoMUI) world ranking. The Provost also shed light on the Students’ Hostel Building Project, stressing the importance of rallying alumni support to raise at least one million Naira each to help fund the 2.5 billion Naira project. She also insisted that the success of this endeavour is vital for the reaccreditation of the Medical and Dental programmes in the College of Medicine.
Providing historical context, Professor Segun Abudu, the immediate past President of ICOMAA UK, recounted the association's journey and the challenges it faced in its early stages. He then introduced the new President, Dr. Olayiwola Ajileye, to the ICOMAA worldwide audience. Dr. Ajileye proceeded to introduce and present the new executive members of the association, followed by his inaugural speech and remarks. The executive members, in turn, delivered their acceptance remarks.
The current Executive Committee (EXCO) consists of the following members:
President - Dr. Olayiwola Ajileye (MBBS 1997)
VP 1 (Administration) - Dr. Tonye Wokoma (MBBS 1994)
VP 2 (Academic) - Dr. Akinfemi Akingboye (MBBS 2000)
General Secretary & Ireland Liaison - Dr. Adeyemi Adedeji (Physiotherapy 1997)
Secretary - Strategic Partnerships and Liaison - Dr. Mukhtar Datti Ahmad (MBBS 1999)
Secretary - Alumni Liaison & Networking - Dr. Femi Sanni (Skenky) (MBBS 2001)
Secretary - Finance/Account Management - Dr. Abisola Oyero (MBBS 1999)
Secretary - New Media and Communications - Dr. Esther Uyouyo Okumo (MBBS 1997)
Secretary - Membership and Registration - Dr. Korede Odubanjo (BDS 1999)
Secretary - Alumni Welfare & Support - Dr. Olagoke G. Kazeem (MBBS 1998)
Secretary - Protocol, Events, and Planning - Dr. Akin Durodola (BDS 2003)
Secretary - Education, Development, and Institutional Partnership - Dr. Hadiza Gachi (MBBS 2001)
The inauguration ceremony also saw the presence of esteemed senior colleagues, including Emeritus Professor Oluwole Akande, the first Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Akinyinka Omigbodun, a Past Provost and Dr. Abib Olamitoye, the Past President of ICOMAA Worldwide, who warmly welcomed the new executives
The meeting concluded at approximately 2230hrs with closing remarks by the Provost, Professor Omigbodun, and the Deputy Provost, Professor Fatai Adeniyi. Dr. Gbolahan Obajimi expressed a vote of thanks, bringing the event to a close.
Below are the individual profiles of the members of the executive committee:
Dr Olayiwola Ajileye
President, ICOMAA (UK & Ireland)
MBBS 1997
Psychiatry & Legal Medicine
Birmingham
Dr. Olayiwola Ajileye is an alumnus of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), where he obtained his MBBS degree in 1997.
During his time at CoMUI, Dr. Ajileye served as the Editor-in-Chief of the DOKITA Editorial Board in 1996. He played a significant role in the inaugural Intercollegiate Quiz Competition named after Emeritus Professor Akinkugbe. In recognition of his exceptional qualities, Emeritus Professor Akinkugbe recommended Dr. Ajileye for the Provost Award, highlighting his industriousness, outstanding medical skills, esprit de corps, and commitment to noble causes. Professor Akinkugbe praised Dr. Ajileye's character, humility, and readiness to contribute his best to education and leadership.
Since graduating, Dr. Ajileye has accumulated a unique blend of professional expertise, skills, and experiences. He currently holds the position of a substantive Consultant Psychiatrist and Responsible Clinician (Acute Care) at the Acute Care Directorate in Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust. Additionally, he serves as a Senior Academic Tutor (SAT) in Psychiatry and Neurology (Undergraduate) at the Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Birmingham. He collaborates with renowned Psychiatrist and Poet, Prof Femi Oyebode, Head of Psychiatry at the University of Birmingham, who is also an esteemed alumnus of CoMUI from the MBBS Class of 1979.
Dr. Ajileye has expertise in Legal and Forensic Medicine, working as a Forensic Physician and independent medical examiner for various organizations, including the West Midlands Police, Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), and Criminal Justice Centre, Northamptonshire Constabulary, UK. He has also provided consultancy services as a Consultant Psychiatrist at His Majesty's Prison, Onley Low secured Prison, Northamptonshire. In the field of medical law, Dr. Ajileye serves as a professional medical expert witness in childcare proceedings and criminal matters, providing insights on fitness to plead, fitness to detain, fitness to stand trial, and litigating capacity in Family and Crown courts in the UK. He holds the position of Medical Director/CEO of Pivot Medical Services Inc UK.
Dr Tonye Wokoma
Vice-President (Administration)
MBBS 1994
Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Hull
Dr. Tonye Wokoma, MBBS, FRCOG, MFSRH, is a graduate of the University of Ibadan, where she was awarded the Paul Hendrickse Prize in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She subsequently pursued her postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as well as sub-specialist training in Sexual and Reproductive Health, in the United Kingdom. Currently, she serves as a Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Community Gynaecology at Conifer House in Hull. Additionally, she holds the positions of Clinical Director and Deputy Medical Director within her organization.
Dr. Wokoma attained the status of Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 2016 and is also an accredited Menopause Specialist by the British Menopause Society. With a kind and sympathetic approach, she is dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized care for women. Her commitment to medical education and training is evident through her honorary clinical tutor role at the Hull York Medical School. She regularly provides training for postgraduate trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as well as other members of the multidisciplinary team. Furthermore, she serves as the Menopause Guardian for the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health, overseeing curriculum development and training advancements in Menopause care.
Dr. Wokoma frequently facilitates and delivers presentations and has authored numerous publications. She holds a strong passion for reducing health inequalities in women's health and contributes as a member of the Board of Trustees for the White Ribbon Alliance UK. Additionally, she has actively participated in various capacities, such as serving as the former Secretary of the DOKITA editorial board, executive member of UIMSA, and the current IMSG Financial Secretary, a position she has held for several years.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Dr. Wokoma enjoys traveling with her family and indulging in reading. She is happily married and with one son.
Mr Akinfemi Akingboye
Vice-President (Academic)
MBBS 2000
Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Birmingham
Mr. Akinfemi Akingboye is a consultant laparoscopic Colorectal and General surgeon at Russell Hall Hospital in Dudley, West Midlands, England. He holds the position of associate Professor of surgery at St George's international medical school in Grenada and serves as a clinical scholar at the West Midlands NIHR. His clinical expertise lies in the surgical management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), advanced endoscopy, advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery, hereditary cancer syndromes, and colorectal cancer.
Mr. Akingboye earned his MBBS degree from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. Following his internship at University College Hospital, Ibadan in 2000, he relocated to the UK. He completed his higher surgical training (Residency) in General and Colorectal Surgery at Cambridge Deanery. Additionally, he pursued a subspecialist colorectal fellowship at St Mark's Hospital before assuming a consultant post. Notably, he was awarded the Braun Aesculap Travelling Scholarship by the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons Great Britain & Ireland, which facilitated a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA in 2016.
Mr. Akingboye undertook an academic research program at Barts and the London Hospital, culminating in the award of a Doctor of Medicine degree from Queen Mary University of London in 2012. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, England, and an associate fellow of the Higher Education Academy of England. Throughout his career, he has contributed to scientific journals both as an author and as a member of editorial boards. He is an active member of the European and British Coloproctology Society and the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland.
Currently, Mr. Akinfemi Akingboye leads an international colorectal collaborative research group focused on comparative genetic studies, specifically examining Colorectal cancer among Caucasians and African Americans.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Mr. Akingboye has a passion for football, tennis, and traveling. He is happily married and has two children.
Dr Adeyemi Adedeji
General Secretary & Ireland Liaison
Physiotherapy 1997
Ireland
Dr. Adeyemi Adedeji is a Senior Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist specializing in adult disability and rehabilitation of neurological disorders. He works with the Brothers of Charity services and the Health Service Executives in Ireland. Dr. Adedeji holds postgraduate degrees from Ireland, Scotland, and the United States of America. His clinical expertise extends to geriatric care, paediatrics, sports injury management, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. He also serves as a clinical educator for undergraduate Physiotherapy students at the University of Limerick, Ireland.
In addition to his clinical role, Dr. Adedeji is the CEO of Fitmed Healthcare, a company that provides health and safety consultation, training, and healthcare services. He also serves as a Director in Victoria Healthcare organization, which offers social and healthcare services across Ireland.
Dr. Adedeji has a rich history of involvement in student associations during his time at the University of Ibadan. He was elected as the social secretary of the Association of Physiotherapy Students during the 1994/95 session and served as an honourable member representing ABH in the Students Representative Council of the Students' Union in the 1995/96 session. He represented ABH in athletics at inter-hall sports competitions and played football at the departmental level. He is the convener of the 1997 Physiotherapy graduating set of the College of Medicine, UI.
Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Dr. Adedeji is also a trained Chaplain and an ordained Pastor. He currently serves as the Pastoral Council Secretary of MFM, Ireland. He has a passion for networking and collaboration and enjoys traveling. As a supporter of Liverpool Football Club, he is an avid football enthusiast.
Dr. Adeyemi Adedeji is happily married and blessed with three lovely children.
Dr Esther Uyouyo Okumo
Secretary, New Media & Communications
MBBS 1997
General Practice
London
Dr. Esther Okumo Nnadi is a doctor and philanthropist dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others. She graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1997 and currently works as a portfolio General Practitioner in London, specializing in women's health. Dr. Nnadi is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Aside from her medical practice, Dr. Nnadi serves as a Co-Pastor alongside her husband in a fast-growing church called Pillar of Fire Ministries. Her passion for giving back extends beyond her local community, as she is actively involved in initiatives around the world, particularly in Africa. Through her non-profit organization, Fruit of Her Hands Foundation, which she founded in 2016, Dr. Okumo Nnadi and her team provide transformative opportunities and support to widows, orphans, prisoners, poor students, and other vulnerable communities. The foundation offers medical care, education, and various forms of assistance to those in need. Dr. Nnadi also dedicates her time to mentoring young ladies through her program, Empowered Life by Esther Mentoring.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to both ministry and humanity, Dr. Nnadi has received the prestigious Wise Woman Awards London. She is an avid user of social media, running her own YouTube channel and authoring three books. Dr. Nnadi is also an entrepreneur and manages the Benedizi Care Group.
Dr. Esther Okumo Nnadi is happily married to Pastor Patrick Nnadi, and they are blessed with three children.
Dr Olagoke Kazeem
Secretary, Alumni Welfare & Support
MBBS 1998
General Practice Birmingham
Dr. Kazeem Olagoke is a general practitioner at West Health Surgery and Primary Health Care Centre in Birmingham. He completed his training as a general practitioner in the West Midlands area of England and obtained a postgraduate qualification in dermatology from Cardiff University of Wales. Dr. Olagoke specializes in dermatology and minor surgery, delivering community dermatology services to the patient population in the South Birmingham primary care networks.
In addition to his role at West Health Surgery, Dr. Olagoke also works for Practice Plus Group, providing urgent care to patients in Worcestershire and Warwickshire. He serves as a director at FRAO UK Ltd, a provider of health and social care services across England. Dr. Olagoke is a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and represents the interests of general practitioners in the Birmingham area as a member of the Birmingham Local Medical Committee.
During his time at UCH, Dr. Olagoke served as an executive member of the Hamstrings Club, a socio-philanthropic association. He is particularly passionate about child education projects and regularly supports UK charities such as Children in Need and Save the Children. Dr. Olagoke is committed to providing annual scholarships to students in his former secondary school in Ibadan.
Outside of his professional commitments, Dr. Olagoke enjoys travelling, and playing tennis and badminton. He is a supporter of Arsenal Football Club. Dr. Olagoke is happily married and has three children.
Mr Mukthar Datti Ahmad
Secretary, Strategic Partnerships & Development
MBBS 1999
Colorectal Surgery
Poole Dorset
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad is a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at University Hospitals Dorset, where he serves as the Clinical Lead for the Department of Colorectal Surgery. His expertise lies in Robotic Surgery for Rectal Cancer and Rectal Prolapse, and he is renowned for pioneering the robotic approach to anal sphincter repair and levatorplasty.
Dr. Ahmad is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and holds membership in esteemed professional organizations such as the Association for Coloproctology in Great Britain and Ireland, and the UK Pelvic Floor Society.
Passionate about advancing safer surgery, Dr. Ahmad collaborates with several international organizations to train surgeons in Minimal Access Surgery during his frequent visits to Nigeria. He also serves as an honorary visiting consultant at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano. Furthermore, Dr. Ahmad is the co-founder and active participant of the Sahel Water Empowerment Initiative, a project that provides clean drinking water and promotes reforestation in disadvantaged communities across the Sahel Region.
In his leisure time, Dr. Ahmad enjoys playing tennis, cycling, and reading. He is happily married to Fatima, and they are blessed with four children.
Dr Akinola Durodola
Secretary, Protocols, Events and Planning
BDS 2003
Dentistry
Kent
Dr. Akinola Durodola is a UK Dental Surgeon who graduated from the University of Ibadan in 2003. During his time at the College of Medicine, he held several notable positions, including Editor-in-Chief of the Dentiscope Editorial Board, Bursar of Hamstrings Club UCH (a Socio-Philanthropic Club aimed at helping the less privileged), and membership in the Alaanu Choir of UCH. He was also a member of the Grand Order of the Nucleus at the University of Ibadan and served as the Production Manager for the Class Yearbook Committee at UCH.
Dr. Durodola pursued further education and completed a Masters’s Degree in Molecular Pathology and Genomics at Queen Mary University of London. He then gained valuable experience through a training post in the Head and Neck Department at York Hospital NHS Trust. With a keen interest in Restorative Dentistry, he obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Restorative Dentistry. He is a member of both the British Dental Association and the British Academy of Restorative Dentistry. As the Founder and Director of Crystal Cross Healthcare Limited, he provides Dental Health Services throughout Southeast England.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Durodola actively volunteers in the local community, organizing film, food, and sports events to promote community upliftment and bonding. He is an enthusiastic football fan and enjoys indigenous African music. Dr. Durodola is happily married to Ololade, and together, they have two gorgeous children.
Dr Korede Odubanjo
Secretary, Alumni Registration & Membership
BDS 1998
Pharmacovigilance
Watford
Dr. Michael Olukorede Oladele Odubanjo (BDS) is a pharmaceutical expert who owes his gratitude to Professor Sowunmi for laying the foundation years ago. He currently serves as the Qualified Person for Pharmacovigilance at Sigma Pharmaceuticals in Watford, UK. Prior to his venture into the pharmaceutical industry, he held various positions in NHS Trusts across the UK, specializing in Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Dr. Odubanjo is a member and former executive of the Nigerian Association in Liverpool, UK. During his tenure as an executive, he actively championed and participated in various initiatives aimed at improving the socioeconomic well-being of elderly Nigerians/Africans in Liverpool. He also served as the Assistant General Secretary of the UADS.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Odubanjo is an avid sports lover. He formerly captained the ABH Volleyball team and is the Proprietor of the renowned 5-a-side football team, Safety FC.
Dr. Odubanjo is happily married to Abidemi, and together they are blessed with three lovely children.
Dr Hadiza Gachi
Secretary, Education, Guidance & Institutional Partnership
MBBS 2001
Acute Medicine
Nuneaton
Hadiza Suleiman Gachi is a Consultant in Acute and General Internal Medicine at the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust. She played a key role in establishing the ABH Lawn Tennis Club during her time at UCH.
Dr. Gachi is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. From 2019 to 2021, she served as the clinical lead for Acute Medicine at the George Eliot Hospital Trust. Currently, she holds the position of Deputy Associate Director of Undergraduate Education at the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and serves as the Clinical Lead for the North Warwickshire Covid Medicines Delivery Unit. In addition, she leads the IMG (International Medical Graduate) training for the Directorate of Medicine at the same Trust. Her work involves developing various teaching modalities, including simulation teaching, for IMGs.
Dr. Gachi is one of the founding members of the Sahel Water Empowerment Initiative, an organisation that provides access to clean drinking water for disadvantaged communities in the Sahel Region. She also serves as an executive committee member of the Gachi Development Foundation, which focuses on delivering educational equipment and programs to underserved communities. Furthermore, she has collaborated with other charities to carry out health outreach programs.
Dr Olufemi Sanni (Skenky)
Secretary, Alumni Relations, Networking, & Social Liaison
MBBS 2001
Psychiatry
London
Dr. Olufemi Sanni, Founder and CEO of the Steno Memorial Foundation (SMF), is a Consultant Psychiatrist. He received his training at the University of Ibadan (University College Hospital, UCH) and further trained as a Psychiatrist in the United Kingdom. He is also a registered medical practitioner with the Jersey Island Government.
Currently, Dr. Sanni works as a Consultant Psychiatrist with a special interest in the care of older adults. He focuses on non-pharmacological interventions for managing psychological and behavioral symptoms in dementia. He actively participates in dementia research studies and projects, attending local and international courses and conferences to stay updated on new advances and innovations in dementia care and management.
Dr Sanni is a member of esteemed professional bodies, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists (U.K.), the British Association of Psychopharmacology, and the American Psychiatric Association (international member).
During his time as a student at the University of Ibadan, Dr Sanni served as the Majority Leader (Alexander Hall's Student Representative) in the University's Student Representative Council (SRC). He played a significant role in ensuring that Alexander Hall produced its first Speaker for SRC (U.I.) in the 1994/95 session.
Dr Sanni has been instrumental in several collaborative give-back projects, including the establishment of a secure psychiatric unit at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the renovation of Alexandra Brown Hall's T.V. room in 2016.
Driven by his desire to give back to humanity, Dr Sanni founded SMF in 2011. The foundation has positively impacted thousands of lives across Nigeria through free medical interventions, including medical outreaches and free surgical procedures. SMF also provides educational support services such as quiz competitions, career guidance, and motivational talks in secondary schools. Additionally, SMF offers scholarship awards to indigent students in Ogun State to support their university education.
In his leisure time, Dr Sanni enjoys football, tennis, golf, watching movies, and traveling. He proudly supports Arsenal Football Club. As a passionate giver, he is happily married and has children.
Dr Abisola Oyawa (Nee Oyero)
Secretary, Finance & Account Management
MBBS 1999
General Practice
Norfolk
Dr. Abisola Oyawa is a general practitioner based in the East of England. She works as a GP partner in Norfolk and Waveney, leading multiple teams and demonstrating a proven track record in personnel and finance management. Dr. Oyawa is a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional, deeply committed to providing the highest quality care to her patients. She is also a passionate advocate for health promotion.
As a member of the prestigious Royal College of General Practitioners, Dr. Oyawa prioritizes staying up to date with the latest developments in healthcare. She regularly attends professional development courses and conferences to enhance her knowledge and skills in the field.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Oyawa is a devoted mother and highly values her family life in Norfolk. She cherishes spending time with her children and actively participates in her local community. Dr. Oyawa is also involved in various charitable organizations, contributing to their noble causes.
With her strong work ethic, compassionate nature, and dedication to healthcare, Dr. Abisola Oyawa is an asset to any healthcare or management team.