The Nigerian Medical Association was thrown into mourning on Saturday, as the first Nigerian Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Theophilus Ogunlesi, passed on, aged 99.
The professor was well known locally and internationally, bringing pride and honour to Nigeria in scholarship and practice, training many students that have become Ministers of Health, Vice Chancellors of universities, and medical practitioners in different specializations, serving in various parts of the world.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Ret’d.), also sent his condolences in a statement through his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, eulogizing the professor and praying for the family.
Amongst being the first medical professor in Nigeria in 1965, here are 10 other things to know about Ogunlesi:
1. Ogunlesi was the first President of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
2. He started his medical career at Yaba College of Medicine in 1947.
3. He qualified as a registered Medical Officer in the University of London, in 1953.
4. Ogunlesi held several scholarships and practices, trainings which helped many students become Ministers of Health, Vice Chancellors of universities, and medical practitioners in different specializations, serving in various parts of the world.
5. He was Nigeria’s first Head of Department of Medicine University College Hospital, Ibadan.
6. He was also the inaugural Director of the Ibarapa Community Health Programme.
7. The professor was honored with the traditional title of the Baasegun of Ibarapa, Oyo State and the Baasegun of Ijebu Remo in Ogun State.
8. Adebayo Ogunlesi, a member of American president, Donald Trump’s short-lived Economic think-tank is his son.
9. Ogunlesi was born July 12, 1923 in Sagamu, Remo, Ogun state.
10. Ogunlesi was listed among pupils from different secondary schools who pioneered the Yaba High School. Although his school principal, L.J. Lewis who got him a place at the Yaba Higher College intended him for the Arts and a career in teaching, Ogunlesi opted for being a doctor.
