The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has issued a powerful appeal to Nigeria's political and administrative leaders. He urged them to shift their focus from personal achievements to the critical task of building robust and enduring institutions as the bedrock for the nation's progress.
A Call for Systemic Change at Museum Commissioning
Professor Adebowale delivered this message on 10 January 2026 during the official opening of the Sulaiman Botsende Lagundoye Museum and Library. The event took place at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan. Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Professor Peter Olapegba, the VC argued that the country's destiny hinges more on solid systems than on the accomplishments of any single individual.
He pointed to the dedication of national pioneers who established lasting institutions as models for current leaders to emulate. Adebowale specifically praised the initiative to document departmental history, as seen with the new museum, calling it a commendable act that should be replicated throughout universities and other sectors.
Preserving the Past to Secure the Future
"This initiative is impressive and should be encouraged. Every department and unit must consciously preserve its history," Professor Adebowale stated. He emphasised that institutions cannot advance meaningfully if they forget their origins. Proper documentation, he added, acts as an essential resource. It helps new academics and professionals understand the journey of their field and appreciate the sacrifices that built its foundation.
The Vice-Chancellor called for sufficient financial backing for similar archival projects. He noted that such funding is an investment in institutional memory and continuity, which are vital for long-term stability. Adebowale warned that national development will remain a distant dream if leaders continue to prioritise individuals over systems that can outlive any one administration or tenure.
Honouring a Legacy of Institution-Building
The event served to honour the late Professor Sulaiman B. Lagundoye, celebrated as a foundational figure in Nigerian radiology. The Provost of the UI College of Medicine, Professor Temitayo Ogundiran, described Lagundoye as a foremost institution-builder whose vision radically transformed the field.
Professor Ogundiran detailed how Lagundoye elevated radiology from a mere service unit into a full academic discipline and later a school. Its influence spread across Nigeria and West Africa. He highlighted Lagundoye's global impact, citing his role on the International Committee on Radiological Education, his fellowship with the Royal College of Radiologists, and his visiting professorships in nations like Canada, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.
The commissioning of the museum and library reaffirms the UCH Department of Radiology as the mother department for the field in Nigeria and West Africa, Ogundiran stated. He noted that Lagundoye's legacy proves that enduring institutions are built on discipline, sustained commitment, and selfless service, not just physical structures.
Mentorship and a Lasting Family Man
Adding a personal touch, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, recalled Lagundoye as a passionate teacher and committed mentor. Ahidjo, a direct beneficiary of this mentorship, shared how the late professor ensured trainees attended academic sessions and personally interpreted complex radiological cases.
In a heartfelt goodwill message, the late professor's wife, Mrs. Silifat Ladunjoye, remembered her husband as a quiet, kind, and devoted family man. She expressed gratitude to the organisers and the UCH community for honouring his memory and work.
The newly opened S.B. Lagundoye Museum and Library is designed to function as a training centre, a resource hub, and a historical archive for the field of radiology in Nigeria.
