The Department of Haematology and Immunology, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), in partnership with the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, celebrated the retirement of renowned scholar and clinician, Prof. Norah Akinola, with a valedictory lecture held at Oduduwa Hall, OAU. The event coincided with her 70th birthday, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning over three decades in haematology, medical education, and research.
In his welcome address, Head, Department of Haematology, Prof. Rahman Bolarinwa, described the celebrant as a mentor of uncommon generosity whose guidance shaped his professional journey. He commended Prof. Akinola’s unwavering commitment to service at both OAU and OAUTHC.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, congratulated Prof. Akinola on her retirement. He acknowledged her husband, former Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. David Akinola, for his steadfast support, and lauded her contributions to mentorship, teaching, and research, particularly in nurturing future leaders in medicine.
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Bernice Adegbehingbe, hailed the celebrant as an “outstanding scholar, clinician, researcher, administrator, mentor, and humanitarian.” She highlighted Prof. Akinola’s pioneering work in sickle cell transplantation and infectious diseases research, alongside her remarkable impact in training countless students, residents, and fellows, many of whom now hold leadership roles globally.
Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, praised Prof. Akinola’s dedication to sickle cell management and described her as a trusted counsellor whose influence extended beyond the classroom to patient care.
Delivering her valedictory lecture, Prof. Akinola reflected on her life journey, stressing the centrality of mentorship, faith, and resilience. She emphasized that true mentorship involves being “a promoter, protector, and provider, not a tormentor,” while celebrating the accomplishments of her mentees across academia and clinical practice.
She also spoke about her involvement with Women in Lymphoma (WIL), a global initiative advocating for women’s leadership in lymphoma research and care. Offering advice to younger colleagues, she underscored the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The celebration concluded with goodwill messages, gift presentations, and closing remarks, as colleagues, family, and mentees paid glowing tributes to a career defined by excellence, compassion, and service.
