UCH Ibadan CMD Honours Prof Lawal as He Delivers 629th Inaugural Lecture at UI

The 629th Inaugural Lecture of University of Ibadan was delivered by Dean of Clinical Services, College of Medicine and seasoned Paediatric Surgeon, Prof Taiwo Akeem Lawal, at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Professor Lawal spoke on topic "Creating Passageways in Dark Alleys: The Bumps, The Spurs and The Speed-Breakers," drawing from decades of surgical practice and academic experience to illustrate challenges and breakthroughs in managing complex surgical obstructions and restoring passageways in the human body, particularly in paediatric colorectal surgery.

He traced his academic journey from Abadina Primary School and Methodist Grammar School, Bodija, to medical training at University of Ibadan and residency at University College Hospital, Ibadan.

The lecture, which attracted members of university community, medical professionals, students and well-wishers, highlighted challenges and recommendations for prevention and management of birth defects.

In concluding remarks, Prof Lawal highlighted challenges associated with prevention, early detection and management of birth defects. These include lack of formal national newborn screening programme for birth defects in Nigeria, poor maternal awareness, and low rate of periconceptional folic acid intake.

He also noted treatment outcomes vary depending on availability of essential resources such as mechanical ventilation and parenteral nutrition, constraints affecting paediatric colorectal surgery practice, and high incidence of surgical site infections in low and middle-income countries despite availability of evidence on effective interventions.

To address challenges, Prof Lawal recommended:

1. Establishment of comprehensive national newborn screening programme for birth defects across Nigeria.

2. Newborn examination by trained personnel to facilitate early detection.

3. Promotion of periconceptional folic acid intake before conception and during early pregnancy.

4. Establishment of regional centres of excellence for paediatric colorectal surgery.

5. Prevention of surgical site infections by changing gloves and surgical instruments before wound closure.

He emphasised implementing recommendations would improve prevention, early detection and management of birth defects and enhance quality of paediatric surgical care.

In remarks at reception, Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, congratulated Prof Lawal and described lecture as insightful and impactful to clinical practice.

Prof Otegbayo noted College of Medicine and UCH have continued to produce distinguished scholars who contribute significantly to medical advancement and patient care. He reaffirmed hospital management's commitment to supporting academic excellence and collaboration between University and teaching hospital.