Alabi, ex-Provost, CoHS, becomes pioneer VC, AFCOM&HS
By Abubakar Imam
The immediate past Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof. Biodun Sulyman Alabi, has been appointed the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the newly established Armed Forces College of Medicine & Health Sciences (AFCOM&HS), Yaba, Lagos.
The letter of appointment dated August 27, 2026 and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa,CON, explained that the appointment takes effect from September 1, 2026.
In a chat with UNILORIN Bulletin after receiving the letter of appointment, Prof. Alabi, who is also a former Director of Clinical Services at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, thanked the Federal Government for the privilege given him to head the new specialised institution.
Prof. Alabi, who is an expert on Ear, Nose and Throat, said that the appointment is an opportunity for him to offer more contributions to human capital development, particularly in the medical profession.
While assuring the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa and the Federal Government of his determination to give the institution his best, Prof. Alabi also assured the University of Ilorin that he would continue to serve as a good ambassador of the University.
Prof. Alabi, who was born in Ilorin about 60 years ago, graduated from the University of Lagos with the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1991. He, thereafter, underwent specialised training on head and neck surgery at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos. He also earned the Fellowships of both the West African and National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in 2002.
In 2014, the new Vice Chancellor bagged his Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. He had earlier earned a Certificate in Health Information from the same University in 2010. He eventually capped his alluring academic credentials with a Doctor of Medicine from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Lagos.
Prof. Alabi, who started his career at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in 1991, transferred his services to the University of Ilorin as a Lecturer II at the Faculty of Clinical Sciences in 2002. He subsequently rose through the ranks and became a Professor in 2014.
He was elected Provost of the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin on December 9, 2022 and rounded off his tenure on July 31, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has expressed joy with the appointment of Prof. Alabi.
In a statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor, who first broke the news of the appointment during the last meeting of the University Senate last Monday (August 31, 2026), said that he was not surprised with the appointment of Prof. Alabi as he said that he possesses wonderful leadership qualities that can not be glossed over or ignored.
The Vice Chancellor recalled the stimulating performances of Prof. Alabi as a staff member of the University and particularly as the Provost of the University’s College of Health Sciences and Chairman of the Committee of Provost and Deans during which he also served as the Chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine of Nigerian Universities.
Prof. Egbewole,who is also a Member of the Nigerian Body of Benchers, described Prof. Alabi as an uncommon asset to the nation and most especially to its health and University sectors.
Prof. Egbewole expressed conviction that Prof. Alabi would spare no effort in building a sound and enduring foundation for the new institution.
On behalf of the Governing Council, management, staff and students of the University of Ilorin, the Vice Chancellor wished Prof. Alabi a very peaceful and rewarding tenure.
