OAU Registrar Receives FUMMSA Counterpart on Courtesy Visit, Rekindles Institutional Ties

The Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr. Kamardeen Adetunji Bakare, has received his counterpart from the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), Dr. Olukayode Gregory Obayomi, on a courtesy visit on the sidelines of the 430th Inaugural Lecture of OAU.

Dr. Obayomi, who was accompanied on the visit by the Public Relations Officer of FUMMSA, Mr. Olanrewaju Elufowoju, was warmly received by Mr. Bakare in an atmosphere marked by friendship, professional camaraderie and fond memories of the FUMMSA Registrar's longstanding relationship with Great Ife.

The visit was particularly significant as it provided an opportunity for Dr. Obayomi to return to his alma mater more than 15 years after completing his Master's degree in International Relations at OAU.

Welcoming his FUMMSA counterpart, Mr. Bakare described Dr. Obayomi as a worthy alumnus of Great Ife, noting that the FUMMSA Registrar had obtained both his first and second degrees from the renowned institution.

He expressed delight at receiving Dr. Obayomi back on campus, stressing the enduring bonds between alumni and their alma mater, irrespective of where professional responsibilities may subsequently take them.

In his remarks, Dr. Obayomi expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him, describing the occasion of the 430th Inaugural Lecture as a fitting opportunity to connect with the OAU Registrar and revisit the institution where an important chapter of his academic journey was written.

The courtesy visit also provided the two Chief Administrative Officers with an opportunity for wide-ranging professional discussions on the administration and advancement of University Registries in Nigeria.

Their discussions touched on issues relating to effective Registry administration, as well as contemporary challenges confronting university administration and the need for strategic responses that will strengthen the efficiency and professionalism of Registry operations.

The two Registrars also explored areas of possible collaboration and knowledge exchange between their institutions, with emphasis on establishing a mutually beneficial and symbiotic relationship between OAU, a 65-year-old first-generation university, and FUMMSA, a three-year-old specialised medical university in the formative stages of institutional development.

The engagement highlighted the importance of inter-university relationships in promoting the exchange of administrative knowledge, experience and best practices, particularly between institutions at different stages of their institutional journeys.

A major highlight of the meeting was the invitation extended by Mr. Bakare to Dr. Obayomi and the entire FUMMSA Registry to attend the 10th OAU Registry Lecture scheduled for Wednesday, 14th October 2026.

The lecture is being organised as part of activities commemorating the 65th anniversary of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and is expected to bring together members of the university community, administrators and stakeholders within and beyond the Nigerian university system.

The invitation was warmly received by the FUMMSA Registrar, who expressed appreciation for the gesture and the opportunity it presents for further interaction between the two Registries.

The visit came against the backdrop of the 430th Inaugural Lecture of OAU, delivered by the Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of FUMMSA, Professor Fatiu Abiola Arogundade, a Professor of Medicine with specialisation in Nephrology.