- July 16, 2025
- Posted by: itmanager
- Category: AMSH, Culture, Education, Latest News, University
It was all glamour, with moments of joyful reflections, as people from all walks of life converged on Owolabi Hall, ABUAD, for the send‑off ceremony of Prof. Kolawole Olubunmi Ogundipe, who served meritoriously as Chief Medical Director of Afe Babalola University Multi‑System Hospital (AMSH), Ado‑Ekiti.
Prof. Ogundipe, a renowned Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery received a warm reception and a fitting farewell on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 after four years of meritorious service to the institution.
The energetic sage and university founder, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, the Bamofin of Yorubaland, applauded the organizers for staging an outstanding first-ever send‑off. He offered special praise to Prof. Ogundipe’s mother for blessing the nation with “a son who is both a pride and an envy.”
He then presented the 2025 Nigerian Health Excellence Award (NHEA) Special Recognition to AMSH, lauding the hospital’s “exceptional achievements in redefining medical excellence and setting a new standard for healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria”, a testament to Prof. Ogundipe’s impactful tenure.
The Vice‑Chancellor, Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb, FCAI, in her heartfelt goodwill message, thanked Prof. Ogundipe for giving his best during his years as Chief Medical Director. She emphasized:
“Today is not ‘goodbye,’ but a proud declaration that you will always remain a beloved friend, mentor to upcoming physicians, ambassador of ABUAD and a cherished member of ABUAD’s family. Your friendship has graced our medical service, your wisdom has shaped our learners, and your spirit has become part of our legacy.”
Welcoming guests, the new AMSH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Akinola Akinmade, highlighted his predecessor’s many accomplishments, including 12 successful kidney transplants. He pledged to uphold the values of integrity, compassion, and service inherited from both the Founder and his former boss.
The Registrar, Lady Christie Oluborode, delivered a succinct yet powerful message from ABUAD’s administrative arm, calling Prof. Ogundipe a pillar, bridge, and builder for AMSH and the University community. She added that “Your footprint will be etched in the sands of ABUAD’s history.”
Dr. Kayode Akinlade, speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, recalled that Prof. Ogundipe was selected from 11 candidates while at EKSUTH, lauding his integrity and effective leadership. Under Prof. Ogundipe, EKSUTH’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rose from ₦10 million to ₦52 million monthly. He also called for expanding AMSH’s capacity to meet consultants needs.
Prof. Ogundipe, visibly moved by the outpouring of affection, expressed gratitude for all the support received during his tenure. He reminded the gathering that each milestone was the result of collective efforts and a shared commitment to excellence. “Beyond titles and tenures, we are all sojourners on this side of eternity,” he reflected, acknowledging the leadership, faculty, and staff operating under the “fatherly care of the Founder.”
Among those who graced the occasion were the celebrant’s mother and wife; the Head of Service, Ekiti State, Dr. Olufolake Olomojobi; the CMD of EKSUTH, Prof. Kayode Olabanji; and the Olupoti of Ipoti‑Ekiti, HRM Oba Kolade Oladipupo.
The ceremony was beautifully capped with vibrant performances by the talented ABUAD Cultural Troupe, whose exceptional dance steps and stirring rendition of traditional Yoruba praise‑songs electrified the atmosphere.