In a significant
development, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has given its
approval
for the appointment of Prof. Olayinka Oladiran Adegbenhigbe as the
Acting Chief Medical Director of the renowned Obafemi Awolowo University
Teaching Hospitals Complex, located in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. This announcement,
made by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Kemi Fasooto, in a statement
released on Friday in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, signifies a pivotal
change in leadership within the medical institution.
According to the report
from Naija News, the Federal Ministry of Health has granted its endorsement for
Prof. Adegbenhigbe’s appointment, which officially commenced on Tuesday, June
20, 2023. The letter of approval, signed by the Permanent Secretary and issued
by the Director of Human Resources Management, signifies the government’s
confidence in Prof. Adegbenhigbe’s abilities to handle the responsibilities of
the role.
The appointment of Prof.
Adegbenhigbe as the Acting Chief Medical Director is valid for a period of six
months. During this time, the Federal Ministry of Health aims to initiate and
conclude all necessary processes for the appointment of a substantive Chief
Medical Director, a position that holds long-term significance for the
hospital’s administration.
In the statement
released by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Prof. Adegbenhigbe’s
illustrious background is highlighted. He is described as a Paediatric
Orthopaedic Surgeon and serves as the President of the Paediatric Orthopaedic
Society of Nigeria. Furthermore, he holds the distinction of being the first
black African member of the Medical Advisory Board of Ponseti International
Association, based in the United States of America.
Prof. Adegbenhigbe’s
contributions to the medical field are noteworthy. He spearheaded the
coordination of the first Ponseti International Clubfoot Workshop in West
Africa and played a pivotal role in translating the manual titled
“Clubfoot: Ponseti Management” into Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa languages
for use within Nigeria. Moreover, Nigeria stands as the first country worldwide
to have produced and implemented national clinical guidelines for Clubfoot
treatment, thanks to his efforts. Additionally, Prof. Adegbenhigbe has made
significant contributions to medical literature, introducing two new
terminologies—ophthofall and Exposed Bone Syndrome—which have been incorporated
into medical encyclopedias.
The statement concluded
by urging all staff members and the general public to extend their support and
cooperation to Prof. Adegbenhigbe as he embarks on this new assignment as the
Acting Chief Medical Director. This appointment marks a critical period of
transition for the hospital, and the collective support of everyone involved is
crucial in ensuring the continued success and growth of the Obafemi Awolowo
University Teaching Hospitals Complex under Prof. Adegbenhigbe’s stewardship.
