Medical Luminary and Former UCH CMD, Prof. Olajide Ajayi, Celebrates 90th Birthday

The medical community and distinguished dignitaries gathered on Friday, February 20, 2026, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Professor Olajide Olaolu Ajayi, a former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The milestone was marked by a solemn thanksgiving service at All Souls’ Anglican Church, Bodija, followed by a grand reception at the Oritsejolomi Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

A Legacy of Service and Excellence

In a moving sermon, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa, lauded Professor Ajayi for a lifetime dedicated to the service of God and humanity. He described the celebrant's impact on the fields of medicine and education as "indelible," noting that his former students and colleagues continue to provide eloquent testimonies to his mentorship.

UCH Leadership Pays Tribute

The current Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, led the hospital’s management team to the event. Recalling Professor Ajayi’s tenure as CMD from 1990 to 1998, Professor Otegbayo highlighted the enduring strength of the foundation he laid.

"Professor Ajayi remains a veritable source of reference for the institution," Otegbayo stated, emphasizing that the standards set during the celebrant's administration continue to guide the hospital today.

A Distinguished Gathering

The event drew a vast array of dignitaries from across the country, honoring the retired Professor of Surgery whose career has spanned decades of academic and clinical brilliance. The celebration served as a bridge between the hospital’s storied past and its current leadership, underscoring a shared commitment to medical excellence in Nigeria.