Nigerian Leaders Must Build Institutions, Not Individuals — UI VC

…As Scholars, Medical Leaders Gather for S.B. Lagundoye Museum Commissioning

…As Radiology Pioneer Remembered at UCH Ibadan

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has called on Nigerian leaders to embrace the virtues of dedication, commitment, and institution-building as critical drivers of national development.

The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Peter Olapegba, made the call while speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Sulaiman Botsende Lagundoye Museum and Library held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Prof. Adebowale noted that national leaders could draw valuable lessons from the commitment and selflessness demonstrated by pioneers who laid the foundations of enduring institutions.

He commended the initiative to document departmental history, describing it as impressive and worthy of encouragement.

According to him, every department and unit should strive to preserve its history, stressing that institutions cannot make meaningful progress if they lose sight of their past.

He added that such records serve as vital resources for present and future generations and called for adequate funding to support similar documentation projects.

This, he said, would help new members of the academic community understand the institution’s journey and appreciate its legacy.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need to focus on building strong institutions rather than concentrating solely on individuals.

Earlier in his remarks, the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof. Temitayo Ogundiran, commended the late Prof. Sulaiman B. Lagundoye for his commitment to institution-building, noting that his efforts transformed radiology from a service unit into a full-fledged academic discipline.

He explained that Prof. Lagundoye expanded radiology from a department into a school whose influence spread across Nigeria and West Africa.

Prof. Ogundiran further described Prof. Lagundoye as a global ambassador for African radiology, citing his service on the International Committee on Radiological Education, his fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists, and his visiting professorships in Canada, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria.

The Provost stated that the commissioning of the S.B. Lagundoye Museum and Library reaffirms the Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, as the mother department of radiology in Nigeria and West Africa.

He emphasized that Prof. Lagundoye’s legacy demonstrates that enduring institutions are built not by walls or machines alone, but by sustained commitment, discipline, and selfless service, expressing hope that the museum would inspire future generations to uphold these values.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, described Prof. Lagundoye as a passionate and dedicated teacher who was deeply committed to mentorship.

He recalled how the late professor personally ensured trainees’ participation in academic sessions and took responsibility for interpreting complex radiological cases.

Prof. Ahidjo described Prof. Lagundoye as the backbone of radiology development in Nigeria and West Africa, noting that he was a direct beneficiary of his mentorship and training during his time in the Department of Radiology, University College Hospital, Ibadan.

In her goodwill message, the wife of the late Prof. Lagundoye, Mrs. Silifat Ladunjoye, reflected on the life, character, and enduring legacy of her husband.

She described him as a quiet, kind, accommodating, and friendly man who was a devoted husband and a loving father.

Mrs. Ladunjoye expressed gratitude to guests, organisers, and members of the University College Hospital community for honouring her late husband.

She also acknowledged the many students and professionals mentored by Prof. Lagundoye, describing them as his “children” and appreciating their continued support and communication over the years.

The S.B. Lagundoye Museum and Library was commissioned at the event to serve as a resource and training centre, as well as a repository for historical records in radiology.