The Department of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, in collaboration with the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, held a valedictory ceremony in honour of Professor Adedeji Ayodeji Onayade. The event, which took place at the Clinical Skills Lecture Theatre, Phase IV, OAUTHC, celebrated the distinguished career, academic contributions, and exemplary leadership of Prof. Ayodeji Adedeji Onayade in the field of Community Health.
In her welcome address, the Head of the Department of Community Health, Prof. Macellina Ijadunola, welcomed the management of OAU and OAUTHC, dignitaries, mentees, past retirees, family, friends, and staff present at the event. She described the celebrant as a renowned epidemiologist who was actively involved in epidemic control efforts against Ebola, COVID-19, Lassa fever, and cholera in Ile-Ife. According to her, Prof. Onayade made the Public Health and Community Health Department highly relevant through his diligence. She added that his name has opened doors for them in the field of public health both locally and globally. He is also known for his silent generosity, funding equipment, and supporting outbreak investigations. She concluded that he has left a legacy of service, dedication, and honesty that will continue to inspire future mentors.
The Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, celebrated and prayed for the celebrant, describing him as one of the teachers he deeply respected, a selfless man, always available in times of need for patients. He shared two memorable encounters that portrayed Prof. Onayade as a great teacher, mentor, and scholar. He prayed that he would continue to find peace, joy, and fulfillment.
The Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, OAU, Prof. Ayo Salako, in his remarks, described the Department of Community Health as one that has produced Provosts and Vice Chancellors. He recalled the faculty’s memorable experiences with the celebrant as a teacher and former Director of the Institute of Public Health. He prayed for him, describing him as a unique and highly distinguished scholar, teacher, and public health physician par excellence as he celebrates his 70th birthday and retirement. He added that the celebrant worked with many others to prevent outbreaks of devastating epidemics, not only within the community but also in neighbouring regions. He successfully chaired several faculty committees and left a legacy of excellence, praying that his contributions would continue to inspire.
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Bernice Adegbehingbe, in her remarks, described the celebrant as a great achiever who officially joined the Department of Community Health at OAU as a lecturer and rose to the rank of full professor in 2007. For over three decades, he dedicated himself to training and shaping the next generation of health professionals. According to her, he is widely respected for his ability to simplify complex subjects such as epidemiology and biostatistics. More than just a teacher, he is a mentor who has supervised several Master’s, PhD, and postgraduate Fellowship candidates, nurturing a generation of public health leaders whose influence now extends across Nigeria and beyond. He is currently the Chairman of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. She added that throughout his service, he combined academic excellence with clinical responsibilities as a consultant community physician at OAUTHC, contributing immensely to medical education while supervising numerous theses and dissertations that have shaped public health practice. On behalf of the College, she wished him a happy 70th birthday and retirement.
The Director of the Institute of Public Health, OAU, Prof. Peju Esimai, also described the celebrant as a scholar, supervisor, teacher, mentor, and leader who has been kind and transformational. She praised his wisdom, guidance, and impactful contributions to public health in Nigeria, noting that his legacy will live on through his students and the Institute of Public Health.
The Chairman of the occasion, Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Simeon Bamire, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Akinyemi Akanni, commended the celebrant for serving the university meritoriously for 30 years. He noted that during his service, the department grew in strength and achieved accreditation. As Director of the Institute of Public Health between 2017 and 2023, he provided strategic leadership that strengthened not only the institute but also other departments. He was also an active member of the Senate and played a major role in strengthening the university’s ethical committee. Prof. Akani, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, prayed for renewed strength and thanked him for his dedication to the university.
The Vice Chancellor of Elizade University, Prof. Kayode Thaddeus Ijadunola, delivered the Valedictory lecture titled “Child Health Advocacy in the African Region and the Frontline Physician and Epidemiologist.” He traced the celebrant’s academic background, which included scholarships, multiple degrees, and awards, including at least three prizes during his Part II Fellowship examination. He noted that Prof. Onayade’s first exposure to international child health advocacy came through World Health Organisation (WHO) training in diarrhoea disease control, acute respiratory infection management, and later, integrated management of childhood illness. These experiences positioned him as a frontline advocate for reducing child mortality in Africa.
The celebrant, Prof. Onayade, in his speech titled “What Shall I Say Now,” expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university, hospital community, colleagues, family, staff, mentees, and all present for their support and love.
The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages, presentation of gifts, and closing remarks.
