Oladipo Ogunlesi

Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi (12 July 1923 – 19 January 2023) was the first Nigerian professor of medicine.[1][2][3][4] He was the pioneer head of University College Hospital, Ibadan and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.[5][6]

Emeritus Professor

Oladipo Ogunlesi
Born
Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi

(1923-07-12)12 July 1923
Sagamu, Remo, Ogun State, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria
Died19 January 2023(2023-01-19) (aged 99)
NationalityNigerian
Occupations
  • Academician
  • medical doctor
  • researcher
Known forFirst Nigerian medical professor
SpouseSusan Olorunfemi Peters
ChildrenAdebayo Ogunlesi and additional six
Academic background
Education
Academic work
Institutions
Notable studentsIsaac Folorunso Adewole

Early life and education

Ogunlesi was born on 12 July 1923 to a blacksmith father in Sagamu, Ogun State.[7][8] Between 1931-35, he attended St. Paul Primary School in Sagamu and obtained his secondary school certificate at CMS Grammar School in Lagos in 1940.[7] He obtained his post-secondary school certificate from Higher College in Yaba in 1942. Ogunlesi began his journey in the medical profession in 1947 through the Yaba Medical School and later attended the University of London in 1953 where he eventually qualified as a medical officer in Britain.[2][9]

Career

Ogunlesi began his career in Nigeria as a specialist in the Western State Civil Service. He was a medical officer of the Western Nigeria Civil Service (WNC) from 1950-56. He joined the University of Ibadan in 1961 and became a professor four years later. He was the first Nigerian lecturer of medicine and also became the first Nigerian professor of medicine. During his teaching career he taught such notable people as former Vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, a founding member of Pan African Association of Neurological Sciences, Professor Kayode Oshuntokun, and the late Professor Yombo Awojobi, who was a distinguished surgeon. He retired in 1983 at age 60.[7][2][1]

Fellowship and membership

In 1977 he was inducted as a fellow into the Nigerian Academy of Sciences.[10]

Personal life

Ogunlesi married Susan Olorunfemi Peters in 1950. They had seven children including Adebayo Ogunlesi, a member of Donald Trump's economic team.[11]

Death

Ogunlesi died on 19 January 2023, at the age of 99. The Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun remarked:

As a state, we take solace in the fact that our great professor lived a life dedicated to medicine aimed at making breakthroughs that would enhance human health and wellbeing. He was the first Professor in the field of Medicine, a feat which further reinforced the spirit of excellence the people of Ogun are reputed for... He will continue to be remembered as an illustrious son of Ogun, highly respected citizen of Nigeria and a world renowned specialist in the field of Medicine. Adieu Papa Medicine.[3]

— Daily Post, NEWS Abiodun mourns passing of first Nigerian Professor of Medicine, Ogunlesi

The president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari also stated:

Ogunlesi brought pride and honour to Nigeria in scholarship and practice, training many students that have become Ministers of Health, Vice Chancellors of universities, and medical practitioners in different specializations, serving in various parts of the world.[12]

— Premium Times, Nigeria’s first professor of medicine, Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, dead; Buhari mourns

References
  1. sunnews (8 January 2017). "How I became Nigeria's first Professor of Medicine –Prof Oladipo Ogunlesi". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  2. Rapheal (23 July 2022). "In Ogun, week of celebration of excellence". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  3. Staff, Daily Post (20 January 2023). "Abiodun mourns passing of first Nigerian Professor of Medicine, Ogunlesi". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  4. "Nigeria's first Professor of Medicine Ogunlesi dies at 99 | The Nation Newspaper". The Nation Newspaper. 20 January 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  5. Olokede, Felix (20 January 2023). "Nigeria's first professor of medicine, Oladipo Ogunlesi dies at 99". The Street Journal. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  6. Daniels, Ajiri (20 January 2023). "Buhari mourns Nigeria's first Professor of medicine, Ogunlesi". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  7. Abiola, Rahaman (27 July 2021). "Yes, it's Theophilus Ogunlesi, not Akinkugbe Nigeria's first medicine professor". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  8. "Life Lessons"Only God’s Grace Can Guarantee Success In Our Lives"- Prof Theophilus Ogunlesi – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  9. Arogbonlo, Israel (20 January 2023). "Buhari mourns Professor of Medicine, Ogunlesi". Tribune Online. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  10. "Fellowship | The Nigerian Academy of Science". 13 October 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  11. vanguard (3 December 2016). "Breaking: Trump appoints Nigerian Ogunlesi member of his economic team". Vanguard News. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  12. "Nigeria's first professor of medicine, Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, dead; Buhari mourns". 21 January 2023.
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