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

Nigeria’s first professor of medicine, Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, has died.

Mr. Ogunlesi, was also the first Head of Department of Medicine in Nigeria University College Hospital, Ibadandied in 99.

In a statement on Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari commended the eminent doctor for his achievements as well as his great contribution to humanity.

“President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his pain at the loss Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), family members and friends of Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, 99, who made history in 1965 as the first Professor of Medicine in Nigeria,” Femi Adesina, special adviser to the President on media and publicity, said in a statement .

“President Buhari sent his condolences to the academics, and professional friends of doctors and medical scholars, who started on the path of medical doctor at Yaba College of Medicine in 1947, and advanced his career at the University of London, 1953, where he qualified as an Officer Registered medical in England.

“President Buhari affirmed that Prof. Ogunlesi brought pride and honor to Nigeria in scholarship and practice, trained many students who have become Ministers of Health, Vice Chancellors of universities, and medical practitioners in different specialties, serving in different parts of the world .

“The President asked about the legacy of medical doctors, who counted many firsts, including the Head of the Department of Medicine of the first Nigerian University Hospital, Ibadan, the inaugural Director of the Public Health Program Ibarapa, and the first President of the National Postgraduate Medical College. of Nigeria.

“President Buhari prays for the repose of the souls of my father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and God’s comfort to the family.”