A team of researchers from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, led by Professor M. Omobowale of the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, visited the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI), on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The team was received by the Deputy Provost, Professor S.B. Olaleye on behalf of the Provost, Professor T.O. Ogundiran, FAS. The aim of the visit was to explore potential areas of collaboration in health and other shared academic and research interests between the two institutions. The event was held at the AOK Johnson Boardroom, with members of the University of Ibadan (UI) and COMUI management team in attendance to formally receive and welcome the delegation. The visitors from Scotland included Professor Margaret Graham, Director of the Edinburgh Earth Initiative; Dr. S. Amanfo, Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East, Edinburgh Global, University of Edinburgh; Dr. Geoffrey Banda, Head of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh; and Mrs Lucy Young, Director of Operations, Edinburgh Health Initiative. Other members of delegation were Professor Funmilola Ajani of the Climate Research Group, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources; and Professor O.A. Oluwafemi of the Climate Research Group, Department of Forest Production and Products, University of Ibadan.
Professor Omobowale recalled that the University of Ibadan began its collaboration with the University of Edinburgh in 2024 on climate change initiatives, adopting a One Health approach and has since recorded several academic benefits, including fully funded students’ scholarships. He explained that the meeting stemmed from the collaborators’ strong desire to extend the partnership in health to the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan in order to further strengthen the relationship, following the signing of the recently reviewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Ibadan.
The Deputy Provost expressed appreciation to the delegation for their spirit of partnership. Members of the COMUI management team in attendance engaged in discussions and highlighted potential areas of collaboration, including the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI), the Medical Library, Virology, the Institute of Child Health (ICH), waste management, cardiovascular disease research, and plant-based pharmaceuticals aimed at enhancing preventive medicine globally, among others. Professor Olaleye stated that the College remains open to collaborative partnerships across the globe. He assured the delegation of the availability of highly competent researchers and strong technical expertise to ensure that the partnership with the College would be mutually beneficial and impactful.
In her response, Professor Margaret Graham stated that she was inspired by the areas of collaboration identified by the COMUI management, noting that none of them could be underestimated. Dr. S. Amanfo applauded the management team for identifying the Medical Library as one of the key areas of collaboration. He added that global health training opportunities in infectious diseases are fully funded and available to undergraduate and postgraduate students, both online and onsite. In his remarks, Dr. Geoffrey Banda stated that the institution aims to provide mentorship in health systems research and offer grants to young researchers to bridge the gap between medicine and industry.
In his closing remarks, Mr. A.E. Odedele, Secretary to the College commended the delegation for adopting a multidisciplinary approach in their pursuit of partnership with the University of Ibadan. He also presented COMUI souvenirs to the delegation in appreciation of their interest in collaborating with the College, and the delegation also reciprocated the gesture.
In conclusion, the Deputy Provost suggested that the engagement should not remain at the level of discussion alone. He emphasized that both parties must move beyond dialogue and take concrete actions to implement the agreed outcomes and ensure meaningful progress.
