1984 Medical graduates donate multimillion naira teaching aid to UNILORIN ….. Egbewole urges other alumni to emulate gesture

The 1984 set of Medical Graduates of the University of Ilorin has donated a multimillion naira Virtual Anatomy Dissection Table (ANATOMAGE) to the University’s College of Health Sciences to enhance the teaching and learning of Anatomy.

The donation was announced last Monday (November 18, 2024) when members of the set visited the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, in his office.

Speaking during the visit, the Class Captain and Coordinator of the set, Dr. Ebun Bangboye, expressed gratitude to the University for the impact it had on them during their student days, noting that UNILORIN graduates are excelling globally.

Dr Bangboye, who is a Consultant Nephrologist and Clinical Director at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, said, “We are proud to say that UNILORIN graduates excel globally. Whether it’s the World Health Organisation, or countries like the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, name the country, you will find UNILORIN graduates making their mark. This is a testament to the exceptional training we received as students of this University.”

Commenting further on how UNILORIN graduates are faring, the Consultant Nephrologist said,”Based on the nature of my hospital’s operations, we employ doctors, of whom UNILORIN medical graduates are in good number, and I can confidently say they are well-trained. Even our consultants attest to this. We want to commend the University Administration on the remarkable work being done to ensure that we feel proud of being alumni of the University of Ilorin. If you search online today, the University of Ilorin consistently ranks among the best.”

On the significance of the Virtual Anatomy Dissection Table, which the set donated, Dr Bangboye said,”When we celebrated our 30th anniversary as a set, we made a landmark contribution to the Teaching Hospital. This time, we felt it was time to give back to the College of Health Sciences. The Anatomy Table is very expensive, but the group felt it was necessary to present something impactful that will benefit the upcoming medical students of the University. That is why we decided to donate this Virtual Anatomy Dissection Table. Many of us have retired, but we are delighted to have made this possible. We hope to return in ten years and find it still being used effectively.”

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, thanked members of the 1984 set of medical graduates for their thoughtful donation. He said the dedication of the set to staying connected to the University 40 years after their graduation speaks volumes about their commitment and passion for the institution.

The Vice Chancellor assured them that the equipment, which is novel and of immense value, would be safeguarded and its utility maximised for the benefit of the students and Faculty alike.

Prof. Egbewole also encouraged other alumni of the University worldwide to remember their alma mater, which contributed to their success, by emulating the exemplary gesture of the 1984 set of UNULORIN medical graduates. He said,”It is crucial to remember the institution that trained you and contributed to who you are today. I deeply appreciate the 1984 set of medical graduates for their consistent efforts to give back to this University”.

Prof. Egbewole used the occasion to invite members ofthe 1984 medical graduands to the 50th anniversary celebration of the University, which comes up next year.

Other members of the 1984 set of medical graduates of the University of Ilorin who were present during the visit include the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Group Advisor and Managing Director and Chairman of Deux Project Limited, Dr Tunji Olowolafe; A Health Economist and Country Director, Population Council Nig, Dr Dele Abegunde; the Senior Consultant MKUH, Dr Olushola Andrews; the Chief Medical Director of the Parkview Family Medicine Royal Hospital, Jos, Dr Michael Obadofin; A Medical Microbiologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State, Dr Esther Alaba Odedina; and the Proprietor/Medical Director, Good Name Clinic, Dr Solomon Olaegun.

Others are retired Chief Consultant Ophthalmologist and Founder, CEO Ladkem Eye Hospital, Dr. (Chief) Festus Odunayo Oshoba; An Ophthalmologist at Asokoro Hospital, Dr Solomon L. Zubair; the Head Family Medicine NW Province South Africa, Dr Kayode Omotayo Akingba; the Head of the Department of Urology, Far East Rand Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr Efiong David Ekanem, as well as the duo of a Consultant Psychiatrist based at LifeCrest Medi Clinic, Dr Alabi Michael Olugbenga and Dr Mattew Adelekan, a Consultant General and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, England, United Kingdom, who joined the meeting via zoom.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Department Anatomy, University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences, Prof. Ayokunle Olawepo, has said that the Virtual Anatomy Dissection Table donated to the Department by the 1984 Medical graduands of the University is the third of its kind in the entire country, describing it as a landmark achievement for the University.

Dr Olawepo spoke during the commissioning of the equipment, which was held at the College of Health Science last Monday (November 18, 2024).

He said that the gesture would significantly enhance the learning experience for the students and reinforce the reputation of the College of Health Sciences as a centre of excellence.