By Sunday Saanu
December 1, 2010, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole admirably tagged “IFA”, became the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI). Two months to the expiration of his five-year tenure as UI VC, he was appointed Health Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015. Last Sunday, May 5, he turned 70 years old, thus, formally retiring from the services of the University.
From his birth on May 5, 1954 up till the present moment, it is obvious that Prof. Adewole is indeed a man of amazing grace, given various uncommon miracles that have defined his life. What is grace? Christian theologians describe the concept of grace as “the free and unmerited favour of God” They say, “grace is when God is in the race of life for you”. There can be no argument about the fact that God must have deliberately singled out this man of meekness for special favour as it could be seen in his life in the last 70 years.
Despite the fact that life is an undulating wave of sweet, sorrow and sadness as dictated by its vicissitude, Prof. Adewole’s life is a thrilling testimony of triumph over trials, tribulations, torments and tortures of life! There are incontrovertible statistics leading to this assertion. For example, before he became Provost, College of Medicine in August 2002, he went through fire as his critics harassed him with various allegations targeted at his success, yet, he survived.
Again, in his bid to become the UI VC in 2010, Prof. Adewole was painted in colours that bore no resemblance with his enviable personality, he was called different names. Spirited efforts were made by his detractors to dress this hero in the cloak of a villain. He survived. Even after he was announced as the next VC, an advertorial was placed in the media that his appointment should be annulled. This man of amazing grace survived all contrivances, went ahead to bring home the bacons for the university community upon his ascension to the throne. It was when his tenure was coming to an end in 2015 that he got appointed as Health Minister. Who says God is not in the race of life for this man?
Perhaps it was against this background that he decided to invite all his friends and well-wishers across the country and beyond to join him in appreciating God on the occasion of his platinum celebration. 70 years is a long span and momentus occasion in the life of a man. Therefore, the occasion which was well-planned drew people from far and near. Red carpets were rolled out, with drums and dance and songs, thus, generating hype, hoopla and hysteria!
The colourful ceremony which began with a public lecture and a church service at Agbala Daniel Cathedral, Ibadan was characterized by boisterous bunting, array of human beings from ethnic and professional diversity, the polyphony of their tributes, and sumptuous reception at the sprawling UI International Conference Centre. It was indeed a red-letter day as it was entirely a successful occasion. Nobody could have asked for a better day. It was a glorious day for Prof. Adewole and his family. People ate and drank to a state of satiety.
However, prior to IFA’s 70th birthday and retirement celebration, both print and social media had been awash with torrent of tributes in honour of Prof. Adewole from various recipients of his generosity with many of them, sharing testimonies with regard to how this great man has positively affected their lives. From students to the staff members in the university, testimonies abound regarding Adewole’s kindness. In fact, there is a book of tributes which was part of the three books unveiled to mark the occasion. Other books are Uncommon Grace: An Autobiography as well as Nation Building: Thoughts on Nigeria’s Education and Health Sectors.
To slice the narrative thinner, however, let us look at the man, Adewole, his achievements and his legacies. Right from secondary school, the then young Isaac was a shinning star among the galaxy. According to his successor in office, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka in his own tribute, “I first met Prof. Adewole when I entered Ilesa Grammar School in January 1970. He was then in form 5. At the end of that year, he finished his WAEC in Division One with distinction. On account of his outstanding performance, the Principal, J. A. Oni invited him to join the teaching staff in 1973.” In those days, his colleagues used to call him “Distinction” as disclosed by another source.
He gained admission to study Medicine and Surgery in 1973 at UI and continued with the same culture of academic excellence. It is stating the obvious to say he has ever remained intelligent. Apart from his academic prowess, Prof. Adewole is kind and considerate. In his medical practice, he believes that profit must not take place of empathy. It is on record that he treats people with substantial consideration. There are many people he treats free of charge.
This attribute of kindness became more evident when he became the UI VC in 2010. For many years to come, ripples will remain regarding how he prioritized the welfare and well-being of both staff and students. Have we so soon forgotten how he paid salaries on 25th of every month? How can those he employed forget him? What about the student leaders he sent abroad for training? Leaders, according to John Maxwell, “become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower.” Prof. Adewole is great today in UI and indeed in Nigeria because of the number of people he empowered while in power! Like him or loathe him, IFA remains relevant all day long.
Perhaps it might not be out of place to cite a personal experience with him here. I was an ad hoc staff when he became the VC, he had read a number of my write-ups in the newspapers and had decided to employ me. The then Council Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun had also spoken with him about me while Dr. Gani Adeniran took it upon himself to be marketing my profile. There was, however, a twist in the tale when some people who seemed to have gazed the sky to access my star conspired to truncate the dream. Shortly, after my success at the initial computer-based test, these people plotted a coup d’etat. Thay had almost succeeded at interview with spurious allegations against me before Prof. Adewole averted their evil. Dr. Adeniran who was at the panel later confronted the mastermind of the deadly trap. All is now history. I will forever continue to appreciate Dr. Adeniran for his courage while Prof. Adewole remains my boss and benefactor for life. What he did at the interview was a miracle that is hardly ever likely to be repeated.
Prof. Adewole, who is now a septuagenarian, is not a malice bearer. This is part of the legacies he is leaving behind. Being a man of peace, he often embarks on diplomatic and fence-mending outreaches in order to turn his fiends to friends. In my presence, as his media assistant, he has called some of his perceived critics for a truce. He is a scientist with social conscience with uncanny ability to see far deeper and larger than the ordinary man.
To succeed in life, one needs God and gut. Both factors are in Prof. Adewole’s possession. He doesn’t joke with God neither does he fear to create his own paths. While working with him in UI, he democratized the office of the VC. Almost all the students had his mobile number. He was so accessible. He is such a person who may be offended, yet pleading for the offenders. His sterling strides are remarkable. He executes most of his plans with a high degree of precision.
His era as UI VC is forever etched in the memory of the masses. Clearly, his positive place in history is guaranteed. American author, Albert Pike says “what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us, what we have done for others and the world remains and it is immortal.” Clearly, Prof. Adewole has achieved historical immortality on account of what he has done for us all. This man of exemplary conduct, courage and class has given his best to his fatherland. Many of his actions are not intended to attract applause but to improve human conditions. After many years of uphill struggles, this personification of patriotism has ascended to the pantheon of the elders. I wish to state with unmistakable exactitude that he is a man of uncommon accomplishments.
Although I did not follow him to Abuja when he was appointed Health Minister, I am sure he would have done so much more than he did for the country, if not for some powerful elements who frustrated his efforts with malice and high-wire maneuvering. Still, the records are there regarding his achievements within almost four years with which he was allowed to serve. He is a man of amazing self-restraint who puts service before self.
Prof Adewole is an appreciative leader. Each time I published any article in his honour, he would call me in the night and praise my efforts. There was nothing I requested that he didn’t give me. For instance, he bought me an IPad which I am still using till today. He contributed to my building project. He assisted me when I wanted to change my car. He sent me to some countries for training and regularly gave me money for my upkeep. What else could a subordinate expect from his boss? But we used to fight whenever I broached the idea of taking care of my colleagues in the media! At the end of the day, he would still accede to my request. He is a nice man, ever tactically alert. I was lucky to have worked with him.
He may be retiring but certainly not tired. He may still be called upon whenever there are obstetric emergencies. The country may still benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience by offering him appointment as he is so much committed to the healing of the ill. As he begins to enjoy his well-deserved rest, one can only pray that God continually bless him with sound health and cool wealth.
•Saanu (08034073427) is on sabbatical at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.
