Unibadan Dental School @50; Grand Finale

On Monday, September 22, 2025, the alumni and students of the Unibadan Dental School gathered at the Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, Ibadan, to commemorate the grand finale of the 50th anniversary of the Unibadan Dental School. 

The event, which started at 10:00AM, comprised three major activities: the anniversary lecture, fundraising, and the Conferment of Fellowship of the International College of Dentists. In attendance were several dignitaries, which included the Soun of Ogbomoso, the Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, and his entourage, and other influential individuals.

Anniversary Lecture

The anniversary lecture was delivered by Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and the Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital. During his lecture, titled “My Roots, Your Roots, Honouring Our Educational Background”, he emphasized the importance of alumni remembering their roots wherever they may be in the world. He itemized several ways to give back to the alma mater. These ways of giving back include staying in touch with current affairs, sharing news and successes of the school, and proudly wearing the school’s colours wherever they may be. He also urged the alumni that when called on for donations, they should ensure to “distinguish between government and alma mater”. He ended the lecture by encouraging the students to work hard to glorify their names and the name of the school. 

Fundraising

The fundraising came shortly after, led by the Chief Launcher, Architect Samson Bamidele, Chairman, Bovas Global. He urged everyone present to donate to the projects, which were announced for the faculty, and made a generous donation of his own, too.

Dr. Olakunle Johnson, a member of the alumni recounted the several projects which the alumni association had contributed towards for the faculty and also donated a sum of $3,000 towards the current ones. He also urged his fellow alumni to never relent when called upon to give back to their alma mater. 

Goodwill Messages

The Royal Father of the Day, Oba Ghandi Afolabi, the Soun of Ogbomoso, in his goodwill message also emphasized the importance of giving back to the foundation as it is one of the ways we can continue to blossom. 

The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal expressed his love and respect for the University of Ibadan and its products. He acknowledged the good work of the alumni association and urged them to keep at it.

Fellowship of the International College of Dentists

The last activity of the day was the conferment of fellowship of the International College of Dentists on worthy members of the alumni and the appointment of new executives.

The International College of Dentists is the oldest and largest international dental honour society in the world. The college grants the award of Fellowship of the College in recognition of a dentist’s outstanding professional achievements, meritorious service, and dedication to the continued progress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind. 

The president, ICD; Dr. Ian Doyle, congratulated the latest recipients of the awards and urged them all to keep up the good work. After the awards, Professor Gbemisola Oke was appointed as the new Regent for West Africa, International College of Dentists.

The event ended with the recitation of anthems. There was a procession led by the Special Guests, followed by the alumni, and lastly, other members present.

Shittu, Opeyemi Habeeb