The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI), embraced the saying “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” during its 2025 end-of-year get-together and staff awards on Friday, December 5, at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre.
The Provost, Professor T. O. Ogundiran, FAS, warmly welcomed both physical and virtual attendees. Organized by the Capacity Building Committee of the College, chaired by Dr. O. S. Ogah, the event featured a motivational talk, “Taking a Walk from Work,” by Professor Christopher Agulana, a philosophy scholar from the University of Ibadan.
He stressed the need to balance work and personal wellbeing, reminding participants that rest is essential and not laziness, concluding with the striking line: “He who fails to rest will be laid to rest.” Goodwill messages from Professor S. B. Olaleye (Deputy Provost), Mr. A. E. Odedele (Deputy Registrar/Secretary to the College), Professor T. A. Lawal (Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences), Professor Oyeronke Odunola (Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences), Dr. A. O. Afolabi (ASUU Chairman), Mr. S. O. Ayansina (Financial Controller), and Dr. Grace Ajuwon (Medical Librarian) enriched the programme. Staff Prizes for Punctuality went to Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Morakinyo and Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Olowofela (Oluwole Akande Building), Mr. T. J. Oyewumi (Clinical Sciences Building), Dr. B. Adedeji (IMRAT Building), Mr. O. Begun (Public Health Building), and Mr. P. O. Samuel (Radiology Building), while Outstanding Staff prizes were awarded to Mrs. Taiwo A. Zakariyau (Administrative Building), Mr. T. J. Oyewumi (Clinical Science Building), Mr. S. F. T. Ojo (Finance Building), Dr. B. Adeniji (IMRAT Building), Mrs. Fatima Salami (Library Vertical Extension), Mrs. Olabisi Oluseye (Nursing Building), Mr. O. Begun (Public Health Building), Mrs. Taiwo F. Olufemi (Radiology Building), and Mrs. Olubukola F. Ajagbe (Virology Building). The College-Wide Staff Recognition Prize went to Mrs. Esther O. Oyelakin, and Most Consistent Attendee prizes at the Weekly Workshops for the Well-Informed Workforce (WWWW) were awarded to Mr. K. A. B. Elekuru and Mr. C. A. Isamakinde (University of Ibadan, Main Campus)
Adding fun and excitement, the programme featured a short online quiz coordinated by Mr. K. Agboola, lively Fun Segments—Seek and Sit, Na Me Sabi Pass, and a Dance Competition—led by Mrs. Funmilola Enobabor, and a general short quiz conducted by Mrs. Esther M. Adenaike, with numerous prizes for winners. Beyond formal recognitions, all participants received gifts and take-home packages, enhancing the cheerful atmosphere.
Mr. Odedele expressed a heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, both within and outside COMUI. In his vote of thanks, Dr. Ogah praised Professor Ogundiran’s visionary leadership, highlighting his commitment to sustaining life-transforming programmes at COMUI and continually elevating the College’s standards.
