В Ибадане почтили память выдающегося уролога и хирурга профессора Олайтиволы Шитту

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, 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, 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. Professor Otegbayo noted 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. He recounted how, as a young doctor considering paediatrics, orthopaedics, and surgery, a brief posting at the University College Hospital in 1997 provided a defining encounter with Professor Shittu. ALSO READ: Nigeria must embrace long-acting contraceptives to curb population growth — UI don Prof Popoola emphasised that Shittu’s mentorship extends beyond professional matters, as he maintains relationships with former mentees and supports them at important social and professional milestones. Describing him as a mentor who “doesn’t leave you alone”, Popoola expressed gratitude to Professor Shittu for being a pathfinder, teacher, and lifelong source of support, while celebrating his remarkable strength and continued commitment to surgery at 70. Dr Sikiru Adebayo described Professor Shittu as an exceptional surgeon whose influence extends far beyond the operating theatre. He traced their relationship from 1989, when Shittu was his tutorial master as a medical student, through their reunion in 1997 during Adebayo’s residency training, after which Shittu became a lasting mentor, examiner, referee, and professional guide. As a surgeon, Adebayo characterised OBS as exceptionally talented, knowledgeable, skilled, dedicated, and meticulous, describing surgery in his hands as both a science and an art. Adebayo highlighted Shittu’s dedication to his patients and institution, noting that his operating style was highly focused, deliberate, painstaking, and anatomy-driven, with particular attention to detail and precision. He also praised his confidence, innovative approach to difficult procedures, successful reconstructive techniques, compassion, and generosity towards colleagues, residents, nurses, and other hospital staff. Adebayo recalled receiving surgical instruments and other support from him, illustrating Shittu’s willingness to share his knowledge and resources. Dr Ijeoma Chibuzor described Professor Shittu as a multifaceted and illuminating teacher whose lifelong dedication to service, mentorship, learning, and the advancement of others has made him a lasting inspiration to his students, whom he characterised as “pupils of the Lifelong School of Shittu”. He praised his vast knowledge, intellectual curiosity, adaptability to new technologies, and ability to view clinical problems from multiple perspectives. He noted that Professor Shittu consistently upheld ethical standards, maintained a strong commitment to patient welfare, and transformed complex cases through careful and innovative surgical techniques. Dr Chibuzor further highlighted Professor Shittu’s ability to honour the legacy of those who came before him while building the next generation of surgeons. He said Shittu taught his trainees to appreciate the contributions of pioneers in urology and the profession’s history while embodying the values of passion, patience, perseverance, empathy, and patient-centred care.