Akinkugbe: UCH CMD, AfDB boss mourn

The University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State, has described the death of a pioneer nephrologist in Nigeria, Emeritus Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe, as a colossal and irreparable loss for the nation.
The UCH Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, said this on Monday, while confirming the death of the renowned medical practitioner and academic.
Otegbayo said that Akinkugbe, 86, died in his residence after a protracted illness.
“It is true that he (Akinkugbe) is dead. We have indeed suffered the loss of a giant and medical icon.
“He will be remembered for his extraordinary services. He was known for his landmark services and research in kidney diseases and also in treatment of hypertension.
“It was his lifetime commitment to improve the management and care of kidney diseases in the country.
“Filling the gap brought about by his death will be difficult for a long time to come.
“As a former Chairman, Governing Council of UCH, he played significant roles in bringing about the progress and advancement of the hospital.
“Upon my inception as the CMD of UCH, he had been my mentor and counsellor, ” he said.
Akinkugbe, born July 17, 1933, was one of Nigeria’s most respected and distinguished academics and physicians.
Akinkugbe had outstanding achievements in the field of nephrology and hypertension.
He pioneered the establishment of two clinics, one in hypertension and the other in renal disorders at UCH.
The late don was conferred with the International Society of Nephrology Pioneer Award in 2019 for his extraordinary efforts to advance nephrology in the country.
The deceased also received several other awards, including the Boehringer Ingelheim Award of the International Society of Hypertension.
He was a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Technical Advisory Committee on Health Research and Secretary of the WHO Technical Discussions on University and Health for All.
Also, the President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, says he is saddened by the demise of Akinkugbe.
Adesina expressed sorrow over the death of the professor via his official Twitter account, @akin_adesina, as monitored in Ibadan on Monday.
“I am saddened by the death of Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe today at the age of 86 years. Prof was a rare gem.
“An exceptionally brilliant and globally acclaimed Professor of Medicine.
“He made Nigeria proud and served selflessly. Thank you sir for your life of immense service. RIP,” he tweeted.
The late octogenarian had outstanding achievements in the field of nephrology and hypertension.
Akinkugbe successfully trained the first generation of indigenously taught nephrologists who went on to become leading figures in nephrology in the country and inspiring a new generation of African doctors to take up nephrology.