By Sunday Saanu
Times and seasons usually present certain individuals to strategically impact their generation. They are not common. Their impact is legendary. They enjoy special grace of God. They probably exemplify the biblical promise of God that “I will show mercy to those I will be merciful”
Former Health Minister, Prof. Issac Folorunso Adewole who turns 71 tomorrow, 5th May, 2025 could be said to be one of those who belong to this special class of the people being described above. Prof. Adewole, the 11th Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI) is one of the very few of whom it can be truly said that their lives have truly brought blessings to their generations
This suave and iconic personality of all seasons, with a refreshing candour, left an indelible imprint on the administrative landscape as he demonstrated character, compassion, competence and courage at every position he ever occupied before he retired last year.
It is worth restating that this retired professor of gynecology and obstetrics served humanity as Head of Department, Provost, College of Medicine, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan and Nigeria’s Minister of Health before his retirement, which is a transition into a well-deserved chapter of rest and reflection which he is currently savouring. He remains a one-time star surgeon whose oratory power and cadence are spellbound. His life’s work is conducted with the precision of a master composer, crafting distinct notes that blend together into an awe-inspiring melody.
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Prof. Adewole represents the rare breed of men who combine intellectualism with deft political mastery and administrative prowess. Clearly, he is a man gifted with many capabilities: physical stamina, with a gait that is all his, superior mental acumen and spiritual alertness. Without exaggeration, he stands out among the outstanding, as his capacity remains consuming. Consequently, his journey has been a tapestry of achievements woven with dedication and wisdom.
Meanwhile, when he was the UI Vice Chancellor between 2010 and 2015, I had a rare opportunity of working closely with him as his Media Assistant. In the course of our duties, we travelled extensively together within the country and outside Nigeria. There are many lessons I gleaned from the life of this great man of wits and wisdom which one can share with the public. After all, it is said that it is better to learn from the experiences of others so as to know how to order one’s steps
The first lesson one grasps in the life of Prof, Adewole is the uniqueness and quality of his leadership. Prof. Adewole is a leader who rises by lifting others and creating a legacy of success together. To him, the essence of leadership transcends individual achievements. True leadership lies in the creation of strong and empowered ecosystem that possesses the capacity to guarantee unlocking people’s potential for greatness. He is a leader who gives people the tools and trust to achieve greatness
For instance, we were together in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa when he told me that “SS, I know you are very hard working and you write well, just tell me anything you want that can facilitate your work, I will buy it for you”. And, in fulfillment of his promise, he bought me an iPad which I am still using till date. There was nothing I ever requested, which he didn’t grant. He promised that he would assist me to change my car. He did. When I was building my house, he gave me money. He extended the same kind gesture to almost everybody around him.
As a leader, Prof. Adewole guides, supports and builds people. His is not about power, it is about empowering people. Little wonder he is still as relevant and popular as ever in UI today because of his own leadership style. He is given to unlocking the potential in others. He sent many people on training abroad.
Closely related to his leadership style is his mentorship inclination. He is a man who raises other men, just as he is a mentor to many. He enhances the strength of his mentees, just as he manages their weakness. He guides with ease and counsels with empathy. He exudes decisiveness and firmness, yet never failing to maintain a friendly demeanor. Again, I remember when we were in Ethiopia, he saw me smiling with a lady. He later called me and said “SS, I saw you smiling with a lady. I hope you know their laws here concerning their women, if they catch you with their ladies, they will detain you here until you are able to fulfill all their requirements. We will leave you here until you fulfill all their conditions “. I laughed to no end.
But on a more serious note, Prof. Adewole is a disciplined leader, I never saw him with a strange woman throughout the five years we worked together. I was with him in his hotel room when his wife called him in from Nigeria. I didn’t hear what madam was saying, but suddenly, my “Oga”snapped, “leave me this woman, I am not with a woman. Saanu is here with me, talk to him”. He handed over his mobile set to me and I greeted Madam to authenticate Oga’s claim. You can’t blame Madam, she was obviously protecting her territory.
More remarkably is his peace-making attitude. I learn a lot of lessons in the life of Prof. Adewole in terms of making peace with people. He is indeed a true Christian who practises the creeds of his faith. I have seen him time without number, making frantic efforts to reconcile with those who may have fallen out with him. I have a number of instances to cite. But let me give an example . A contractor with UI had a misunderstanding with Prof. Adewole during his tenure. I was in that contractor’s house when Prof. Adewole called him. While the contractor was fuming, I could hear Prof. Adewole’s placatory voice, pleading passionately for peace. I was humbled by his seeming condescending posture for peace.
In his autobiography entitled “Uncommon Grace: The autobiography of Isaac Folorunso Adewole”, hear this amazing man at the last page of the book “I have deliberately toned down the language to describe some most annoying issues and backward-looking actions of some that I have had to work with. I have consciously avoided mentioning some names in some cases. This is not cowardice but to demonstrate the spirit of forgiveness and in anticipation that a positive change is possible” How else is a man of peace more known than by this kind of maturity and peaceful disposition?
Another lesson I discern in the life of Prof. Adewole is his passion for friendship, collaboration and acquaintanceship. He has positively established himself in the minds of many people across the globe. He is ever faithful to friendship. He acknowledges little favour and thanks you almost perpetually. Nothing illustrates his richness in relationship better than the book of tributes edited by Adeyinka Aderinto et al on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Over 600 people contributed to the making of that book, cutting across the broad spectrum of life. Prof. Adewole maintains his friendship with his primary school mates, secondary school companions, university buddies, professional pals, up to the Federal Ministry of Health- the last place he worked. I searched for that kind of book of tributes without respite.
One can go on and on but for space constraint. The point should be well-made that Prof. Adewole is a man with a coat of many colours. He is an audacious person imbued with other sterling qualities such as hard work, relentlessness and integrity. He performs daring and difficult duties almost effortlessly. He unravels almost all the puzzles with ease. Unlike the youth of these days who believe so much in short-cuts, Prof. Adewole does his work with vigour and rigour, fighting his way to the top through the dint of hard work.
His achievements are nothing short of remarkable footprints, just as people appreciate his innovative and tenacious thinking, twin-factors that helped him to achieve greatness. His unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and justice has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and adversaries alike.
For me, what an immense pleasure and privilege it has been to have known and worked with him. I will remain ever so grateful for all he did for me till time indefinite. I will carry on the warmth of our memories. I wish him many more years of healthy and happy life. Congratulations sir. May God continue to keep you for us.