Egbewole pledges support for 2026 ACTSON Conference
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has pledged the support of the institution for the forthcoming conference of the Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nigeria (ACTSON), Kwara State Branch. The Conference is scheduled to hold in February.
Prof. Egbewole, who gave the pledge last Wednesday (December 31, 2025) when he received members of the Association who visited him in his office, commended the group for securing the hosting right and described the development as a significant opportunity for the University and the state.
The Vice Chancellor affirmed the commitment of the University to collaborating with professional bodies to enhance knowledge creation and societal development, saying that his Administration would provide the necessary support to ensure the successful hosting of the Conference in Ilorin.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the 8th ACTSON Conference, Prof. Peter Oladapo Adeoye, noted that the choice of Ilorin as host city was influenced by the remarkable contributions of the University of Ilorin to the specialty.
He stated that cardiovascular and thoracic surgery is a demanding field with limited specialists nationwide, but the University has distinguished itself by providing an enabling environment that attracts trainees and encourages interest in the discipline. He also mentioned the presence of three senior registrars currently undergoing fellowship training at the University as evidence of this commitment.
The cardiothoracic surgeon stated further that Ilorin has established the University Cardiovascular and Thoracic Studies Students’ Interest Group, the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that the initiative is already gaining national traction and inspiring similar groups in other institutions. This, among other achievements, contributed to the decision to grant Ilorin the hosting rights.
According to him, the 2026 conference will feature hands-on training sessions in cardiovascular surgery, including advanced procedures such as video-assisted surgery designed to remove portions of lumps without opening the chest. He said the programme is expected to attract experts, trainees, and stakeholders from across the country and will further strengthen the University’s profile as a centre of excellence in specialised medical training.
He, however, sought institutional support in the areas of finance, accommodation, and transportation to host members of the Association.
