ACTSON hails UNILORIN medical training facilities
By Tajudeen Babamale
The President of the Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nigeria (ACTSON), Prof. Abubakar Umar, has lauded the University of Ilorin for its commitment to medical education, particularly through the establishment and continuous upgrading of its Clinical Skills Laboratory.
Speaking last Tuesday (February 3, 2026), during a courtesy visit by the national body of ACTSON to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, ahead of the Association’s 8th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, the President highlighted the significance of the University’s clinical skills facilities.
He explained that the laboratory plays a crucial role in training the next generation of doctors, offering students practical learning opportunities that are difficult to achieve using human subjects alone.
Prof. Umar also commended the University of Ilorin for being the first in Nigeria to establish a Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Interest Group. He added that the students of the University had also participated and made impactful presentations at a recent international conference in Italy, highlighting the institution’s forward-thinking approach and active preparation of the next generation of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons.
The ACTSON President appreciated the Vice Chancellor of the University for hosting and supporting the Conference, describing the gesture as sincere and commendable. He explained that the choice of Ilorin for the Conference was influenced by the city’s rich heritage in education, research, and development.
He extended condolences on behalf of ACTSON to the University of Ilorin over the recent loss of Prof. Badmas Lanre Yusuf, describing him as “an important figure and erudite scholar who promoted the development of humanity.”
Prof. Umar also commended the University of Ilorin for recently celebrating its 50th anniversary. He praised the institution for producing talented graduates who are making impacts globally and noted that the University continues to be one of the most sought-after higher education institutions in the country.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, said the University was proud to associate with and support the ACTSON Conference.
The Vice Chancellor noted that ACTSON, as a professional body of specialists, plays a critical role in enhancing the health and well-being of the society, noting that while medication addresses illness, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons improve the quality of life through their specialised interventions, making their work invaluable.
