North America Branch of CMUL Alumni Association Honors Mr. Olakunle Babatunde with Outstanding Service Award

The North America Branch of the College of Medicine (CMUL), University of Lagos (UNILAG) Alumni Association recently recognized Mr. Olakunle Babatunde, the Ag. Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Universities Professional Administrators (ANUPA), UNILAG Branch, with the Outstanding Service Award. The award was presented by Dr. Adedeji Adefuye, the immediate past president of the North America Branch and a member of the 1984 Alumni Set, at the office of the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. David Oke. The Outstanding Service Award was bestowed upon Mr. Babatunde in acknowledgement of his selfless service, dedication, and commitment to the College of Medicine Alumni Association and the North America Chapter. During his tenure as the Administrative Head of the Alumni Relations, Advancement and Endowment Unit in the Office of the Provost, Mr. Babatunde made significant contributions to the association and its objectives.

Dr. Adefuye highlighted the formation of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos Alumni Association, North America Branch, and the collective efforts made by its members to raise funds for infrastructure development and the improvement of the teaching-learning experience at the College. He also emphasized the opportunities available outside of Nigeria and suggested ways in which the College could benefit from them. Dr. Adefuye expressed gratitude to the immediate past Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Afolabi Lesi, for initiating and fostering the relationship between the College and the North America Branch of the Alumni Association. In recognition of this, an Outstanding Leadership Award was presented to Professor Lesi, which was received on his behalf by the current Provost, Professor David Oke.

During the visit, Professor Oke shared ongoing efforts to improve funding and infrastructure at the College of Medicine. He expressed his gratitude to Dr. Adefuye for providing valuable insights and suggestions on moving the College forward. To reciprocate the gesture of honor, the Provost presented the Recognition and Outstanding Leadership Award to Dr. Adefuye as one of the five alumni recipients selected by the North America Branch of CMUL Alumni Association. These awards were presented at the MediLag Fundraising Dinner and Award Night held in December 2022 at the Civic Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

Dr. Adefuye had the opportunity to tour the CMUL, Idi-Araba campus, where he witnessed ongoing projects, including the newly refurbished Main Auditorium, the Tafawa Balewa Plaza, the Kesington Adebutu Research Centre (KARC), Iconic Building, Visitors' Lodge, Kesington Adebutu Telemedicine Booth, and the Student Hostel Development Facility. These developments highlight the commitment of the College to creating a conducive and modern environment for learning. The Outstanding Service Award presented to Mr. Olakunle Babatunde by the North America Branch of the CMUL Alumni Association recognizes his exceptional contributions to the College of Medicine and the Alumni Association. This recognition, along with the exchange of awards between Dr. Adefuye and Professor Oke, demonstrates the dedication and commitment of both alumni and faculty to the continuous improvement of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.