The Global President of the 2001 set of the University of Ilorin Medical graduates, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, has commended the University’s successive administrations on upholding academic and professional standards that continue to produce globally competitive medical graduates.
Prof. Omonisi, who gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor last Tuesday (April 22, 2025), noted that members of the 2001 graduating class from the College of Health Sciences are making waves in leading medical institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the world.
Prof. Omonisi, who is also the President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, announced that several members of the 2001 class, many of whom are now established professionals in medicine and academia, are ready to support the University through various interventions.
He said, “Some of us in academia, both in Nigeria and outside the country, are willing to partner with the University to be part of the Faculty on a pro bono basis. Some classmates in the UK and US are eager to come and contribute their quota to teaching the medical students of the University. There are many of our classmates who are very experienced in grantsmanship. They are willing to collaborate with the University and Faculty members. Three former students who are now top oncologists in the United States of America are coming to strengthen the field of oncology in the College.”
The alumni leader also unveiled plans for a robust staff and student exchange programme aimed at exposing students to international best practices. He explained that “for the exchange programme for staff and students, we believe that instead of final-year students taking some elective courses, it would be beneficial for them to use that period for international exposure. I belong to many international organisations and I am part of the contract staff at Mayo Clinic in the United States. I also sit on two boards at Mayo. What we have done in this group is to create a platform for medical students to engage internationally. Luckily, one of the 500-level students of the University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences has been selected to join us in South Africa, where students from various countries will converge. We believe that kind of exposure will greatly benefit the medical students. We also want to extend the opportunity to the University staff as well”.
Speaking as the President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof. Omonisi reiterated the need for increased attention to cancer prevention and early detection. He noted that while most university health centres offer general screening services, cancer screening is often not prioritised.
He, however, advocated the integration of cancer screening into regular healthcare services provided by the university, noting the importance of early detection, particularly in the case of cervical cancer, which typically gives a warning period of up to ten years.
The Anatomic Pathologist with special interest in Cancer Epidemiology and Molecular Pathology lamented the preventable loss of lives to cancer, especially among academics. He, thereby, called on the authority of the University of Ilorin to blaze the trail in this initiative as they have always been doing.
He used the meeting to announce that the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Cancer Society has approved the appointment of the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi, as a member of its Board of Trustees, acknowledging the College’s growing influence in national health policy advocacy.
In his response, the Vice Chancellor, expressed strong support for the alumni’s initiatives and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to formalising and facilitating such collaborations.
While praising the alumni’s dedication, the Vice Chancellor underscored the value of international exposure for students, noting that real-world experience significantly shapes the lives and careers of young professionals.
Prof. Egbewole also commended members of the 2001 class for their consistent engagement with the University and encouraged them to make a significant impact during their 25th anniversary celebrations, which will coincide with the University’s 50th anniversary. He noted that the University’s alumni remain its greatest asset and called on other alumni sets to emulate the example of the 2001 Medical class.
Referencing the remarkable progress recorded in the Faculty of Law through alumni intervention, the Vice Chancellor expressed optimism that similar outcomes could be achieved across other Faculties, including Engineering and Agriculture, with the support of dedicated alumni.
Touching on the issue of cancer, the Vice Chancellor called on medical experts, especially members of the Nigerian Cancer Society, to intensify efforts towards finding more permanent solutions to the disease.
While acknowledging that modern medicine has made significant strides in early detection and management, Prof. Egbewole expressed concern over the physical and emotional toll that treatments such as chemotherapy can take on patients. He urged the medical community to look beyond treatment toward more sustainable solutions that would significantly reduce cancer mortality rates.
Also at the meeting were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi; and the Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof. Lukman Olajide Abdur-rahman, among others.
