Dear Distinguished Colleagues, Students, Alumni, and Friends of the College:
Presently, we mark the completion of two years of our four-year stewardship of the College of Medicine and the beginning of the second and last half. It is indeed a significant milestone, because it provides an opportunity to reflect, to account, and to renew our shared commitment to the future of our College.
When we began this administration, we articulated a simple philosophy: to build a College that is one, with all its components working together seamlessly for the common good and the progress of all.
Guided by the S7 Agenda: Students, Staff, Structure, Service, Strategic Partnerships, Safety, and Sustainability, we committed ourselves to strengthening the systems and culture that sustain excellence in academics, research, clinical service, and administration. Two years later, I remain deeply grateful for the confidence you placed in this administration and for the unwavering commitment that members of our community have demonstrated despite the realities of our operating environment.
Our progress over the past two years has been possible because this has never been the work of one individual or one office. It has been a collective endeavour involving the College Management, Deans, Heads of Departments, Directors, Academic and Non-Teaching members of staff, students, alumni, governing authorities, partners, and every member of the College community. I sincerely thank you for your dedication, your sacrifices, your counsel, and your belief in our shared vision.
Leadership is a continuous process of learning. We recognize that while some progress has been made, there is still much work ahead. We have listened carefully to the constructive feedback received from various stakeholders. Their observations have reinforced our conviction that good governance requires openness, responsiveness, transparency, and continuous engagement. We remain committed to improving our processes, responding more promptly where necessary, and ensuring that every voice that seeks the advancement of our College is heard with respect and sincerity.
The next two years will therefore focus on consolidation rather than complacency. We shall continue strengthening support for our students, investing in staff development, modernizing institutional structures, expanding meaningful service to society, building strategic partnerships, promoting a safer learning and working environment, and institutionalizing sustainable systems that will outlive any administration. These aspirations remain at the heart of the S7 Agenda and continue to guide our priorities.
As we begin the second half of this administration, I invite every member of our community to renew our collective resolve. The challenges before us are real, but so too is our capacity to overcome them when we work together with integrity, professionalism, mutual respect, and a common purpose.
The true strength of the College of Medicine has always been its people; our distinguished faculty, dedicated professional staff, talented students, accomplished alumni, and valued partners. Together, we have inherited a remarkable legacy. Together, we must also shape its future.
Thank you for your continuing support, your constructive engagement, and your steadfast belief in what we can accomplish together.
May God continue to bless the College of Medicine, the University of Ibadan, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
T. O. Ogundiran, FAS, FAMedS
Professor of Surgery & Provost