The medical colossus at 70
SIR: Better known these days for his giant strides in efforts to stop cancer, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole is a man of many colours and parts. Besides being a former Minister of Health and Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Adewole is a reporter’s delight any day. He is ever willing to contribute to any discussion or story that will improve Nigerian lives. Ever smiling, ever ready, Adewole is a detribalised Nigerian who seeks for the good of everyone. Prof, as I fondly call him is the last Minister of Health to have robust relationship with the media.
Quite so young for his age, Prof is also digital compliant. He can engage you in most of the social media channels. The last interview I had with Prof November 2023, he preferred to write rather than sending a voice note. “Chuks”, as he calls me, “don’t worry, I will write.”
President Muhammadu Buhari, on November 11, 2015, appointed Adewole as Minister of Health.
Adewole is also the past president of African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer ( AORTIC) and co founder of Africa Cancer Coalition ( ACC).
Born May 5, 1954, Adewole, is a Nigerian professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. He is a great scholar and erudite administrator.
On May 5, 2014, he celebrated his 60th birthday and a public lecture was held at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan. The Chairman of the 60th birthday celebration was Wole Olanipekun, a legal luminary, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, former president of the Nigerian Bar Association and past Pro- Chancellor of the University. He described Adewole as a “cat not only with nine lives, but one with 18 lives, who surmounted all the travails and conspiratorial petitions hatched against him by his traducers.”
On March 28, he was appointed as Independent National Electoral Commission’s Collation Officer in Lagos State for the Nigerian general election, 2015 and on April 11, he served as Returning Officer for Lagos State gubernatorial election.
Adewole is a seasoned university administrator, who successfully coordinated various faculties, departments, units, professionals both in health and non health sectors in a renowned university.
I wish Prof the best as he climbs into the 7th floor of life.
• Chukwuma Muanya, CEO of CAMS DIAMONDS Nigeria Limited and former Deputy Editor ( Health), The Guardian.