University of Ibadan Bids Farewell to Legendary Surgeon and Educator, Prof. GTA Ijaduola

University of Ibadan held a solemn funeral ceremony on Friday, November 1, 2024, honoring the life and legacy of the late Emeritus Professor Gbolagunte Taiwo Ayinla Ijaduola. The event, held at Trenchard Hall, brought together university officials, faculty, students, and family members to celebrate the enduring contributions of a man revered for his dedication to medical education and pioneering work in otorhinolaryngology (ENT).

Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode O. Adebowale delivered a heartfelt oration, recounting Professor Ijaduola's exceptional journey, from his noble origins in Oyo Town to his emergence as one of Nigeria’s most respected ENT specialists. Born into a royal lineage on April 17, 1945, Professor Ijaduola’s life was marked by academic excellence and a relentless commitment to advancing healthcare. He was a celebrated alumnus of the University of Ibadan, where he graduated as a medical doctor in 1971, later earning scholarships and awards that supported his postgraduate studies and specialization in ENT.

In his career, Professor Ijaduola made significant strides in medical education and ENT surgery, becoming a foundational figure in the specialty both in Nigeria and across West Africa. He joined the University of Ibadan faculty in 1987, eventually leading the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the College of Medicine. His contributions to the development of residency training curricula and his mentorship of over 45 ENT professionals left an indelible mark on the field. Many of his protégés have gone on to achieve prominence in their own right, continuing his legacy of excellence.

Professor Ijaduola’s influence extended beyond the University of Ibadan, impacting the field through his work with professional organizations. He held leadership positions within the Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria, West African College of Surgeons, and other prominent medical associations. In his later years, he devoted himself to advancing healthcare education at Niger Delta University, where he developed the ENT department and served as the editor-in-chief of the Niger Delta Medical Journal.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Olubunmi Ijaduola, and his children, Dr. Modupe Ijaduola and Dr. Ewalola Ayo Ijaduola. The Vice-Chancellor described Professor Ijaduola as a “great influence” and a man of profound “duty and commitment,” noting that he will be deeply missed by his family, students, colleagues, and the wider community.

As Professor Adebowale concluded, he invoked a quote: "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal." The university community bid farewell to Professor Ijaduola, a true icon whose legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the field he helped transform.