The University of Ibadan bids farewell to a distinguished leader, Professor Aderonke Mojisola Baiyeroju, who officially retired from her role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Her retirement marks a significant milestone in a remarkable career spanning over three decades in academic and healthcare leadership.

Professor Baiyeroju, who assumed the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor on November 9, 2021, has made profound contributions to the University of Ibadan, particularly in the field of ophthalmology. As a leading Professor of Ophthalmology at the university’s College of Medicine, she has dedicated her career to advancing medical education and training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

In her capacity as an Honorary Consultant at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, she has played a vital role in the training of medical students and resident doctors, ensuring high standards of ophthalmology practice.

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Professor Baiyeroju is celebrated for her achievements in athletics. As an undergraduate, she showcased her exceptional talent in sports by winning a gold medal in the high jump at the 1977 ECOWAS Games, illustrating her dedication and drive both in academics and athletics.

Colleagues and students have expressed their gratitude for Professor Baiyeroju’s unwavering commitment to education, health care, and leadership during her tenure. Her retirement has been described as the end of an era, with many recognizing her influence and mentorship as instrumental in shaping the academic landscape of the University of Ibadan. Her legacy in ophthalmology and academic administration is expected to inspire future generations of medical professionals.

Throughout her career, Professor Baiyeroju has held numerous influential positions at both national and international levels. Her leadership roles include serving as the Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty Chairman and Chief Examiner of the Faculty of Ophthalmology at the West African College of Surgeons, and Deputy Provost of the College of Medicine.

Furthermore, she contributed to global health initiatives, including her role as an expert on the Lions-World Health Organization Project aimed at eliminating avoidable childhood blindness in Nigeria.

As the university community and her peers celebrate her retirement, the search for her successor has commenced, signaling a transition to new leadership while acknowledging the tremendous impact Professor Baiyeroju has had during her tenure.

Her areas of specialization in paediatric ophthalmology, strabismus, and glaucoma highlight her dedication to addressing childhood eye diseases and improving vision health in Nigeria. As Professor Aderonke M. Baiyeroju steps into retirement, her contributions will continue to resonate within the university and the wider medical community.

The University of Ibadan honors her invaluable service and wishes her all the best in her future endeavors as she embarks on this new chapter of her life.