UNILAG College of Medicine holds tribute service for late Provost

Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Prof. Afolabi Lesi, has urged leaders in the health sector to build good institutions for the growth and development of the nation’s health system.

Lesi spoke at the commendation and tributes service in honour of the late Prof. Ayodeji Femi-Pearse, organised by the college on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said that the stakeholders should also focus more on building health institutions and system and not only producing great men.

“Femi-Pearse was a provost of the college, who really established and refurbished the administration and education of the institution.

“I hope all health leaders can emulate him by following his integrity, honesty and legacy.

“The purpose of this tribute service is to celebrate his life because he was one of our founding fathers in the college.

“His legacy will continue to leave on beyond him, and also remember him for his scholarship and administrative efforts,” Lesi said.

He also said that health indices on mortality were improving, indicating that the three tiers of government were doing their best in the nation’s health system.

“Clearly, there is a lot to be desired in health system, because we still have a lot to be done in the system.

“Governments should serve the people and always think about the welfare of the people all the time, especially, for those who cannot afford expensive heath treatment.

“They should provide good healthcare system for everybody in Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, called on stakeholders to always learn to accommodate people in the health institutions.

Ogundipe said that accommodating people in health institutions would help to improve and build effective healthcare system.

“Femi-Pearse accommodated people around him when he was a leader which really improved the university and college administration.

“We are here to celebrate his life because he was a good man, academic person and also relevant in the college.

“He was a man that always assist people around him and he was a great mentor,” he said.

Mr Gbeminiyi Ade-Odiachi, the first grandson of Femi-Pearse, who responded on behalf of the family, described his grandfather as “a legend and great man’’.

Ade-Odiachi said despite all his achievements, he was accessible and always had kind words for people who are younger.

“Indeed, he left a legacy which I will always remember him for, because he was the best and always listening to all my ideas and providing solutions,” he said.

The late Professor of Medicine died on Dec. 28 at the age of 86, during a brief illness.

During his lifetime, Mr Femi-Pearse had an illustrious academic career as Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos and Pro-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), among others.

He retired into the hospitality industry to establish the famous seaside Whispering Palms Leisure Resort in Iworo, Badagry in Lagos in 1991.