IN a landmark valedictory symposium celebrating Professor Olayiwola Babatunde Shittu, affectionately known as “OBS,” colleagues, mentees, and former residents gathered to honour a medical titan whose career defined surgical excellence, institutional leadership, and exceptional mentorship.
The event stood out as a unique occasion in the university’s history, commemorating a leader whose professional footprint spans surgical practice, academia, institutional leadership, and social engagement.
Speaking at the occasion, the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof. Temidayo Ogundiran, and the representative of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, celebrated Professor Shittu as an exceptional scholar, surgeon, teacher, mentor, researcher, and administrator.
They noted that his career at the University College Hospital was marked by outstanding clinical service, institutional leadership, and significant contributions to postgraduate medical education and university administration.
They further praised his contributions to research, particularly in prostate diseases, reconstructive urology, infertility, pain, and related areas, noting his nationally and internationally funded collaborations and numerous scholarly publications.
Professor Jesse Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, represented by the Chairman of the Hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Bukola Adesina, noted that Professor Shittu’s commitment to professionalism, ethical practice, quality patient care, teaching, research, and institutional development had contributed significantly to the continued reputation and success of the University College Hospital.
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Professor Otegbayo added that retirement should not signify the end of Professor Shittu’s contributions, but the beginning of another phase in which his knowledge, experience, and wisdom can benefit healthcare, medical education, and national development, especially given his continued involvement in complex reconstructive surgeries late into his career.
Speaking at a symposium titled “The Essential OBS: The Teacher, the Mentor, the Surgeon and the Man,” Prof Ademola Popoola described Professor Shittu as both a mentor and a pathfinder whose influence shaped his medical career and decision to specialise in urology.
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