The ovation was loud as the academic community gathered in the University College Hospital, Ibadan to celebrate the reputable Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Oladapo Walker, as he marked his 70th birthday in grand style on Friday 17th of June, 2022.
The event which took place at the Paul Hendrickse Lecture Hall, UCH, Ibadan, Nigeria, had the presence of top echelons of academia and well-wishers from around the globe to celebrate the colourful birthday celebration of professor of professors.
Chrisland University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, who was unavoidably absent but was well represented by Prof. Priscal Adejumo, head of Nursing Department, Chrisland University, who led the team of Chrisland Universty delegates, in her goodwill message , congratulates Prof. Walker at healthy 70th .
Prof. Priscal Adejumo, Head of Nursing Department, Chrisland University
Prof Babalola describes Prof. Walker as a man with a career of distinction and wealth of experience which Chrisland University is always benefiting from in many ways. She added that Prof Walker is always at their disposal to give a helping hand whenever he is called upon at no cost. Particularly in point, is the setting up of the Basic Medical School of Science where he is the pioneer professor and the Dean of the Faculty.
She added: "Chrisland University is very excited and passionate about Prof. Walker because of what he stands for in building a solid foundation in the citadel of learning . He has many mentees and they are all doing well in their respective chosen fields as they grow in hundred, thousand and million folds." While wishing the celebrant more fruitful and healthy years ahead, she advised Prof. Walker to work less in tune with his age and enjoy more in the beautiful land of life.
Chrisland University Team Celebrates Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Oladapo Walker
Also celebrating the academic giant, University College Provost, Ibadan, Prof. (Mrs) Olayinka Olusola Omigbodun, a professor of Psychiatry, qualifies the celebrant as a man of integrity, dignity and respect; and of course , a leader with followers. She emphasised the magnanimity of the personality of Prof Walker which she said endeared so many to him as a mentor and role model. His simple and unassuming personality with the intent to make others even greater than himself stand him out in the crowd. This is a very uncommon virtue because many are afraid of having their mentee over shadow them, hence, they put limit on them. “But the icon we are celebrating today is never like that. He believes the way should be free for everyone to aspire to be whatever he or she may desire.” The Provost went furthers to mention dignitaries at the event including herself who she gave the credit of their successes to Prof. Walker’s generous and good spirit. She concluded that Prof. Walker is a man of high standard that has not only succeeded in the four walls of the academics, but also in family and spiritual life that are worthy of emulation.
University College Provost, Ibadan, Prof. (Mrs) Olayinka Olusola Omigbodun, a professor of Psychiatry.
Former VC, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayodele Falase, who was also the chairman of the occasion, was not left out. He recalled Prof. Walker was under his tutelage as a science student in the University of Ibadan, describing him as a brilliant and excellent researcher. “We trained him and he was an excellent researcher. He was my student and became my close friend. He has served in many areas with distinction and has done so much for Africa. He deserves to be celebrated because he has done excellently well with many mentees.” He said. He advised the celebrant to remain with his God that has given him this much so that can achieve more.
Former VC, University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayodele Falase, who was also the chairman of the occasion.
Extolling the intellectual giant, Prof O. G Ademowo of the Institute for Advance Medical Research Planning, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and also the local organising committee chairman of the event, described Prof. Walker as a giant, yet reliable and humble. He attributed his scholarly feats to Prof. Walker who he said is a rare role model that is tested and trusted in every area of his endeavour. He said: “I have travelled a long way with Prof. Walker as my mentor and project supervisor. He does his things methodically and uniquely to get the best result. He is also a prayerful and God fearing gentleman.” While thanking him for being who he is, and allowing his mentees to gather together to celebrate him, Prof. Ademowo prayed him to continue his good works of helping people and building capacity. He urged him to continue to keep fit and mentally alert, and closer and nearer to the One that created him.
Prof O. G Ademowo of the Institute for Advance Medical Research Planning, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and also the local organising committee chairman of the event
Other dignitaries present at the occasion are Prof. (Mrs) Wuraola Shokumbi of Haematology, University College, Ibadan; Prof. Fatai Fehintola, HOD, Pharmacology and Therapeutics Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan; Prof. Titi Fakeye, Prof. Priscal Adejumo, head of Nursing Department, Chrisland University and many more.
