The Paul Hendrickse Lecture Theatre, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, was filled on Friday, January 9, 2026, as the University of Ibadan (UI), the University College Hospital (UCH), and the College of Medicine (COMUI), together with the mentees of Professor Odunayo Moronfoluwa Oluwatosin from across the globe, jointly celebrated the renowned plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon at a valedictory programme and book launch marking his retirement from active service and 70th birthday.
The event was hosted by the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Professor T. O. Ogundiran, FAS, and the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Professor J. A. Otegbayo, who was represented by Dr. T. A. Oluwasola.
The programme commenced with an opening prayer by Rev. (Professor) B. J. Brown. Thereafter, the Head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (PRAS), Professor O. A. Olawoye, formally welcomed dignitaries who were present physically and those online.
Present at the occasion were principal officers of the University of Ibadan led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor K. O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor J. T. Arotiba; members of the management teams of the College of Medicine and the University College Hospital led by the hosts; deans of faculties; directors of institutes; heads of departments and units; COMUI living legends; mentees too numerous to list; members of the press; as well as teaching and non-teaching staff, friends, and well-wishers.
Professor Oluwatosin was accompanied to the event by his wife, Professor Oyeninhun Abimbola Oluwatosin, his children, and grandchildren.
In his remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Professor Olayemi Omotade congratulated the celebrant and his family and drew attention to the title of Professor Oluwatosin’s book, “The Road to Success Is Always Under Construction.” He described the title as a metaphor for life’s journey and noted that success required patience, consistency, and deliberate effort, as life is a race that must be run carefully to arrive at a successful destination.
Speaking on behalf of the University of Ibadan, the Vice Chancellor, Professor K. O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, heartily congratulated Professor Oluwatosin for his meritorious service to the University, the College of Medicine, and the University College Hospital for more than four decades. He acknowledged the celebrant’s immense contributions to academic excellence, clinical service, mentorship, and institutional development and described his career as one marked by dedication, integrity, and lasting impact.
In his address, Professor T. O. Ogundiran congratulated the celebrant and his family. He described Professor Oluwatosin as an exceptional individual who has served humanity with humility in various capacities, both locally and internationally. He noted that Professor Oluwatosin’s resilience and patience have earned him the prestigious position of a “Global Scholar.” Professor Ogundiran also recalled how they once worked together for several hours on a patient in the operating theatre many years ago, persevering despite hunger and exhaustion.
The major highlight of the event was a lecture titled “Beyond the Scalpel: Reconstructing Bodies, Rebuilding Lives – Reflections from a Career in Plastic Surgery,” delivered by Dr. Folake Abikoye, one of the celebrant’s distinguished mentees. Her citation was read by Dr. Afieharo I. Michael. The lecture resonated deeply with the life and legacy of Professor Oluwatosin, whose career has been defined not only by surgical excellence but by purposeful mentorship and lasting impact. Having enjoyed a scholarship to study medicine during his undergraduate years, Professor Oluwatosin exemplified gratitude in action by giving back—raising, guiding, and inspiring generations of medical professionals who are now excelling and making meaningful contributions across the globe. The session stood out as a powerful reflection of how one life of opportunity, when matched with commitment to service, can multiply into countless lives transformed.
A plaque of honour was presented by Mrs. Doyin Ogunbowale, Deputy Director of Nursing, UCH, to the guest lecturer in recognition of the thought-provoking and lucid lecture delivered.
The goodwill messages delivered by Professor T. A. Lawal, Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences; Dr. K. O. Akande, Chairman, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (UCH Chapter); Professor O. O. Olaopa, Head of Surgery; Dr. Fisayo Oluwatosin, son of the celebrant; Dr. Femi Okedare, Chairman, Christian Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (CMDA), Oyo State Chapter; Dr. Sesime Sanni, Head of Pediatric Surgery at Smile Train Partner Center, Togo; and Rev. (Professor) B. J. Brown of Christ Chapel, UCH, among others, brought warmth, and elegance to the programme.
Prayers and encomiums were showered on the celebrant, and valuable gifts were presented to him in recognition of his labour and impact on humanity over the years.
In his response, Professor Oluwatosin expressed deep appreciation for God’s unfailing grace and mercy in his life, acknowledging that his achievements were made possible only by God. He also thanked everyone for the honour bestowed on him. Thereafter, he made a clarion call to those yet to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour to do so, so they too might enjoy the blessings God has graciously bestowed upon his life.
The event was concluded with prayers led by Air Commodore (Dr.) A. J. Bolajoko (Retired), while Dr. Kehinde Adebayo served as the master of ceremonies (MC).
