It was an afternoon of nostalgia and pride at the University of Ibadan as the Faculty of Dentistry marked its golden jubilee with a celebration that blended elegance, gratitude, and purpose.
The event, held in honour of Dr. Hakeem Ajao and 60 distinguished alumni, was more than a reunion; it was a heartfelt tribute to a legacy of learning and service spanning five decades.
Founded in 1975, the Faculty of Dentistry has produced generations of professionals who have shaped oral health care in Nigeria and beyond.
The 50th anniversary celebration, themed “Celebrating the Roots of the Past and the Crowns of the Future,” served not only as a reflection of its illustrious past but also as a clarion call to secure the future through renewed commitment and investment.
In his lecture, Prof. W. L. Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), traced the remarkable journey of the faculty, acknowledging the invaluable role of its alumni in sustaining academic excellence.
He spoke passionately about the responsibilities that come with success, financial contributions, mentorship, and job creation, all of which, he noted, are essential to strengthening the institution that nurtured them.
Prof. Adeyemo also lamented the challenges confronting dental education in Nigeria, particularly the shortage of modern facilities and clinical tools. These gaps, he warned, continue to drive the exodus of skilled dental professionals in search of better opportunities abroad.
Echoing the theme of gratitude and responsibility, Dr. Ajao called on fellow alumni to never forget the foundation that shaped their professional journeys.
“We have converged here today from different parts of the world because this is our root — our foundation in education,” Dr. Ajao declared. “We are here to support the Faculty of Dentistry’s Endowment Fund and to ensure that the University of Ibadan continues to raise generations of world-class dentists.”
With warmth and pride, Dr. Ajao announced that N3 billion had been raised during the celebration to support the faculty’s developmental projects. The fund, he explained, would go a long way in equipping training facilities and empowering the next generation of dentists.
The event, attended by dignitaries from academia, business and traditional institutions, radiated an air of celebration and renewal.
Among the special guests were the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale; the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Afolabi Olaoye; and the Chief Launcher and Chairman of BOVAS Group, Architect Bamidele Samson.
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