By Bashir Dawodu

The Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Ilorin has honoured a former Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Enoch Afolayan, for his meritorious contributions to the development of the Department and the University, during his tenure, at a reception.

The celebration, which took place penultimate Thursday (June 27, 2024) was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Laboratory Science Students Association (NIMELSSA), UNILORIN Chapter.

Speaking at the event held at Lecture Hall B of the new College of Health Sciences, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Ali Akanbi II, appreciated the former Dean for leaving a good legacy and called on other staff members to build upon it. He expressed his happiness towards Prof. Afolayan for having initiated the Medical Laboratory Science Department during his tenure.

While commending the idea behind the Inter-Schools Medical Laboratory Science Students Quiz Competition, as part of the event,  the Dean advised the next NIMELSSA executives to continue with the quiz competition, stating that “we learn from the cradle to the grave” and “change is the only constant thing in life.” He added that whatever individuals do today will be attested to in the nearest future.

In his address, the Acting Head of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr. Godwin Adunmo, commended the organisers for making the maiden edition a success. He appreciated the support of the leadership of the University led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for its support towards the development of the Medical Laboratory Science and the College of Health Sciences at large.

He assured that the Department is ready to produce graduates who can compete globally and make the University of Ilorin and the nation proud.

In his goodwill message, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Biodun Alabi, charged Prof. Afolayan to continue his good work, praying that the reward for serving humanity would soon come his way. He praised Prof. Afolayan’s good work, noting that he was a transparent goal-getter in all his dealings. At the end of the quiz, the Provost declared Bowen University the winner of the competition, with the University of Ilorin coming second, and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology taking third place at the end of the contest.

Prof. Alabi further congratulated all the contestants of the Inter-Schools Medical Laboratory Science Students Quiz Competition for displaying talents and potentials that would make their Universities  proud.

In his response, the honouree Prof. Enoch Abiodun Afolayan thanked the staff and students of the Department of Medical Laboratory Science and NIMELSSA for deeming him fit to be honoured.

Represented by his wife, Mrs. Afolayan, the honoree expressed his profound gratitude to Almighty God for making it possible for Medical Laboratory Science to come into existence during his tenure as Dean of Basic Medical Sciences and for earning the National University Commission’s (NUC) accreditation, for the programme.

He acknowledged the efforts of the present HOD, Dr. Adunmo, who worked tirelessly with him to ensure the program’s accreditation. The don appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Provost, Dean, and entire staff of the Department for their teamwork, which procured the successful accreditation exercise. Prof. Afolayan encouraged the students to conduct themselves well and not disappoint themselves, their parents, lecturers, and their school. The occasion was graced by all members of the department.