The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has lauded the University of Ibadan Dental School for its five decades of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and service to humanity, describing it as a beacon of innovation and leadership in dental education across West Africa.
Speaking on Monday at the Golden Jubilee celebrations, fundraising, and homecoming of the institution in Ibadan, the Acting Governor said the School’s establishment 50 years ago marked the realization of a vision to create a center of excellence in dental education, a vision that has since grown into a remarkable legacy.
“The University of Ibadan Dental School is not only the foremost dental school in Nigeria but also one that has consistently set the pace for dental education, research, and clinical practice across West Africa,” he said.
Lawal emphasized the institution’s impact over the years, including training generations of dentists and specialists who serve across the globe, advancing oral health research that has influenced policy and practice in Nigeria, and providing quality dental care to citizens.
He commended the faculty, staff, students, and alumni for sustaining the School’s standard of excellence, noting that the anniversary was also a homecoming that underscored the human impact of the institution.
“To our distinguished alumni you are the pride of this School. Your achievements across the world are a testament to the strength of the foundation you received here,” he said.
The Acting Governor, however, stressed the need to address pressing oral health challenges in Nigeria, including the prevalence of oral cancers and infections, limited access to specialist dental care in many communities, and the need for modern facilities and equipment to train future professionals.
He called on stakeholders to support the fundraising drive, which aims to upgrade dental clinics and laboratories, expand research in oral health and diseases, and provide scholarships and mentorship for upcoming dental practitioners.
“Anniversaries are not only about looking back. They are about investing in the future,” Lawal noted, urging alumni and well-wishers to rally support for the school’s next phase of growth.
