In commemoration of the fifth-year anniversary of the demise of Professor A. Olu Osoba, the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, in conjunction with the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, cordially invites you to a memorial lecture.
PROFILE: PROFESSOR A. OLU OSOBA
Professor A. Olu Osoba, a renowned figure in the field of medical microbiology, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of excellence, dedication, and profound contributions to the advancement of healthcare. Born on July 16, 1934, in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, Professor Osoba's journey through life was marked by significant achievements and a profound impact on the medical community.
From an early age, it was evident that Professor Osoba possessed an innate passion for learning and a deep curiosity about the intricacies of the medical field. His educational journey began at St. James' Primary School in Ibadan, where he laid the foundation for his academic pursuits. He then continued his studies at Ibadan Grammar School and CMS Grammar School in Lagos, graduating in 1952.
Professor Osoba embarked on a path of higher education, earning his BA and MA in Microbiology from Trinity College, Dublin in 1958. His insatiable thirst for knowledge led him to Queen's University, Belfast, where he obtained his M.B., B.Ch, B.A.O. in 1964. Notably, he received the prestigious MD (Honours) with a special commendation from Belfast in 1975, a testament to his exceptional academic prowess and commitment to his field.
Professor Osoba's career unfolded with a series of notable appointments that shaped the trajectory of medical microbiology in Nigeria. He served as a Senior Registrar in the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, in 1965. During the Nigerian Civil War, he displayed unwavering dedication as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Nigerian Army Medical Corps, stationed at the 2nd DIV in Asaba for four months.
His tenure as a Lecturer and Consultant in Medical Microbiology at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, commenced in 1969. Notably, he achieved the significant milestone of becoming the first Nigerian Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University of Ibadan, leaving an indelible mark on the institution's history. Concurrently, he served as a Consultant Microbiologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Under Professor Osoba's leadership, as the Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology from 1982 to 1986, the department experienced unprecedented growth and development. He was also instrumental in establishing the Special Treatment Clinic for Venereal Diseases and Treponematoses (STC) at the University College Hospital, a pioneering initiative that addressed critical health concerns and provided specialized care to patients.
Professor Osoba's impact extended far beyond Nigerian borders. His international appointments took him to renowned medical institutions such as the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital and Birmingham General Hospital in the United Kingdom. He also lent his expertise to the Armed Forces Hospital in Riyadh and the King Khalid National Guard Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he served as a consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO) for many years, contributing to global efforts in combating infectious diseases.
Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Osoba made substantial contributions to scientific literature. With more than 300 published scientific papers on Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology in both local and international journals, his research and findings have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of various health conditions. Notably, he co-authored the highly acclaimed "Textbook of Tropical Venereology," which has been translated into French and Spanish, expanding its reach to medical institutions worldwide.
Professor Osoba's tireless dedication to his profession and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of others earned him numerous accolades and recognition. His contributions to town and gown led to the conferral of traditional titles, including "Otunba Muleruwa" Owu Ijebu and "Otunba Tajogboye" of Ijebuland, further highlighting the respect and admiration he commanded within his community.
Beyond his professional achievements, Professor Osoba was a devoted family man, blessed with a loving marriage and cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.