UI Prof. Atalabi Delivers 619th Inaugural Lecture, Advocates Indigenous Data and Investment in Paediatric Imaging

The Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan was filled with academic pageantry on Thursday, July 9, 2026, as Prof. Omolola Mojisola Atalabi delivered the 619th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan  

Prof. Atalabi is a Professor of Radiology in the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and a Consultant Radiologist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.  

The title of her lecture was  "Spinning in the Invisible Rays of Paediatric Imaging: A Prophecy Fulfilled From Darkness To The Light Of Destiny."

The Vice-Chancellor described Professor Atalabi as “a trailblazer, a mentor, and a shining example of what dedication to scholarship and service can achieve.” He commended her for her numerous contributions to research, her mentorship of young radiologists, and her commitment to advancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

In her lecture, Prof. Atalabi traced her academic journey and underscored that, determination, rigorous training, consistency, and collaboration are the bedrock for achieving excellence in medicine and in life.  

She dwelt extensively on the critical role of imaging in saving lives, with particular emphasis on paediatric radiology.  

“Ultrasound plays a central role in paediatric imaging because it is safe, real-time, widely available, and free of ionising radiation,” she stated.  

She added that “accurate interpretation requires knowledge of normal organ sizes in our local population,” noting that reliance on foreign reference values can lead to misdiagnosis.

Prof. Atalabi, further highlighted that Radiology Education and Specialisation are areas where research, advocacy, and policy change have converged to shape the future of radiology practice in Nigeria. She called for increased investment in paediatric imaging equipment, structured residency training, and the development of indigenous normative data for Nigerian children to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Prof.Atalabi also stressed the need for consistency in patient management. According to her, continuity of care, proper follow-up imaging protocols, and multi-disciplinary collaboration between radiologists, paediatricians, and surgeons are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in children.

The lecture was widely applauded by faculty, students, clinicians, and members of the Radiologists Association of Nigeria in attendance for providing deep insight into the usefulness of radiology in clinical practice and for charting a path for the future of paediatric imaging.

The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, in his remarks eulogized Prof. Atalabi's academic excellence, through resilience , hard work and  consistency. He also commended her relentless services at the Special Duties Unit of UCH.