Sanwo-Olu Commissions Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Research Centre at UNILAG College of Medicine

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, October 20, 2025, commissioned the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Research Centre (KAARC) at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Idi-Araba.

The commissioning formed part of activities marking the 90th birthday celebration of the centre’s donor, Sir (Dr.) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, the Odole-Oodua of the Source.

According to the Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, the new research facility will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research in tropical diseases, public health, genomics, and biomedical innovation. He added that it would foster interdisciplinary collaboration, attract global partnerships, and elevate the College to new heights of academic excellence.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. ‘Muyiwa Falaiye, expressed gratitude to the donor, describing him as “our benefactor and father, whom we do not have to run before he comes to meet us.” He urged staff and students to honour the donor’s legacy by maximising the centre’s potential for the good of humanity.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the KAARC as “a living monument to vision, philanthropy, and faith in the power of education and research to transform lives.” He noted that the centre is not just a building but a gateway to a future in which Nigerian medical research contributes meaningfully to the global body of scientific knowledge.

Echoing these sentiments, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Sir Kesington for choosing a path of lasting impact, praying that God grants him more years to witness even greater accomplishments. He encouraged members of the Adebutu family to emulate their patriarch’s dedication to societal progress.

Delivering the keynote address titled “The Future of Research & Its Potential Impact on Society,” Prof. Bosede Afolabi, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Director, Centre for Clinical Trials, Research, and Implementation Science (CCTRIS), CMUL, explored the evolving landscape of biomedical research. She highlighted the integration of Artificial Intelligence into scientific studies and called for sustained investment in AI-driven research for healthcare advancement.

In his own address, the celebrant and donor, Sir (Dr.) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, expressed deep gratitude to God for the successful completion of the centre, describing it as “a signature project — an expression of profound gratitude to God Almighty for His immeasurable grace, mercy, and blessings throughout the nine decades of my journey on earth.” He emphasized that KAARC represents his lifelong vision to improve healthcare and advance medical research in Nigeria.

The event drew eminent personalities, including the Obanikoro of Lagos and his white cap chiefs, Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Chief Abiola Dosumu, Engr. Ife Oyedele (President, UNILAG Alumni Association Worldwide), and representatives of key government and academic bodies. Goodwill messages were delivered by Dr. Abiola Olorode on behalf of the Adebutu family and by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, represented by the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo.

About Sir (Dr.) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, OON, CON, CFR
Born on October 24, 1935, Sir Kesington began his career at Cables and Wires Limited (later NITEL) and Claffin Chemicals Limited, where he rose to the position of Regional Sales Manager for Lagos and the then Mid-Western State.

A recipient of three Honorary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa), he is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and the Academy of Medical Sciences. A renowned businessman and philanthropist, Sir Kesington Adebutu has devoted his life to charitable causes, building a legacy of impact and service that continues to inspire generations.