By Tunji Oladejo
Joyfully, I join others to celebrate Professor Aderonke Mojisola Baiyeroju, a distinguished alumna and esteemed faculty member of the University of Ibadan, as she celebrates her 70th birthday. It is a lifetime of career, service and excellence.
As a renowned paediatric ophthalmologist, Professor Baiyeroju has dedicated her life to serving the university community and beyond.
Born on August 13, 1955, Prof. Baiyeroju has made contributions to paediatric ophthalmology, earning her numerous academic and professional accolades.
Her impressive academic and professional background include MBBS (Ibadan, 1979); DO (Dublin, 1982); FRCS (Glasgow, 1985); FRCOphth (UK, 1988); FWACS (Nigeria, 1989); FICS (Nigeria, 1997); and FNAMed (Nigeria, 2020).
Prof. Baiyeroju’s impressive credentials are complemented by her membership in various learned societies, including the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, the Ophthalmological Society of the United Kingdom and the International College of Surgeons. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her participation in numerous postgraduate courses and her commitment to advancing medical knowledge in her field.
As a legacy of service and excellence, Professor Baiyeroju’s contributions to the University of Ibadan are multifaceted. As a Paediatric Ophthalmologist with many decades of experience, she has promoted comprehensive, high-quality eye care for children and adults with strabismus. As for the leadership roles, she served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Deputy Provost of the College of Medicine and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology. For the global Impact, she served as a World Health Organisation (WHO) expert, where she contributed to the elimination of avoidable childhood blindness in Nigeria. Beyond academia, she is a passionate advocate for eye care and education. Prof. Baiyeroju’s research in Paediatric and Surgical Ophthalmology has led to significant advancements in the field. Her studies have led to significant advancements in paediatric ophthalmology and she has run various grants to reduce blindness in children. Her studies have 1. Pioneered research on retinopathy of prematurity in African neonates, providing valuable insights into ocular problems in newborns requiring special care. 2. Highlighted the importance of ophthalmological assessment in head-injured children, revealing treatable causes of blindness and emphasising the need for prompt treatment. 3. Introduced a novel anaesthetic procedure for trabeculectomy, which has been widely adopted by ophthalmologists globally and confirmed to be effective. 4. Improved sight restoration through innovative methods, such as intraocular lens implantation and simultaneous bilateral trabeculectomy, enhancing patients’ quality of life while reducing hospital stay and costs.
These contributions have not only advanced ophthalmic literature but also improved patient care, making Prof. Baiyeroju’s research a valuable resource for ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals. This distinguished medical professional’s remarkable achievements serve as proof of her expertise and passion for delivering exceptional patient care.
During Prof. Baiyeroju’s tenure as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), several initiatives were implemented to enhance the institution’s academic excellence, reputation and operational efficiency with the support of the transformative leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, mni, FAS. Some notable achievements include:
– Curriculum Review—Over 40 academic programmes were reviewed and aligned with the National Universities Commission’s (NUC’s) standards, ensuring global relevance. A team led by Prof. Baiyeroju also developed a new curriculum for the University of The Gambia.
– Academic Promotions: The promotion process was streamlined, with efforts to ensure timely submissions and responses from assessors.
– Transcript Verification and Issuance: With the support and cooperation of the Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Examinations, Records and Admissions (ERA) and the Records Officer, a new online system was introduced, enabling faster and more secure transcript processing. This development has improved the experience for students, alumni and employers.
Other key initiatives include:
– Supervision of Training Sessions: Prof. Baiyeroju led training sessions for international organisations and collaborated on postgraduate programmes.
– Accreditation Exercises: Various programmes received full accreditation status through Prof. Baiyeroju’s coordination.
– Digital Transformation: The implementation of a Learning Management System (LMS) and capacity-building workshops for lecturers were supported.
A shining example as a sportswoman, Professor Baiyeroju won numerous medals, including a gold medal in high jump at the 1977 ECOWAS Games, when she represented Nigeria. Not many people would remember that she is a remarkable athlete with an impressive record at the University of Ibadan, where she held records in high jump, 100m hurdles, long jump, discus and shot put from 1975 to 1979, with the high jump record remaining unbroken to date. Also, she ranked as the Nigerian number four seed in 1981 and the number one seed for the University of Glasgow Staff Club until 1987. A legacy of excellence, Professor Baiyeroju’s achievements in sports and academia serve as an inspiration to many.
Professor Baiyeroju’s personal life is marked by a loving partnership with her husband, Brigadier General Akin Baiyeroju (Rtd). Together, they share the joy of their adorable children, who bring happiness and fulfilment to their family life. This strong family bond provides a foundation for Professor Baiyeroju’s success in her academic and professional pursuits.
Prof. Baiyeoju’s dedication, warmth and accommodating spirit made her a pillar of strength in the university community. As the Director of the Ibadan University Press (Publishing House), I am deeply grateful for Professor Baiyeroju’s guidance and support. Her kind words and acknowledgement of our efforts have been a tremendous motivator, inspiring us to strive for excellence.
Professor Baiyeroju’s leadership style is characterised by respect, empathy and a genuine interest in her team’s well-being. She creates a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard. I am grateful for the opportunity to work under Professor Baiyeroju’s leadership and appreciate the confidence she placed in me. Her support has been instrumental in my professional growth and I am proud to have learnt from her exceptional leadership qualities.
Her elegance, dedication and passion for service have made her a pillar of strength in both professional and spiritual circles. No doubt, her lifetime has been marked by exemplary service, visionary guidance, innovative solutions and wonderful mentorship.
I celebrate Professor Baiyeroju’s remarkable achievements and contributions, honouring her as a true icon of UI’s excellence. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to many, encompassing the values of passion, loyalty and service that the University of Ibadan holds dear.
As you step into another and more glorious years ahead, I pray for your continued success, joy, peace and prosperity. May your wisdom multiply, influence grow and passion for service increase.
You are valued, respected and loved, Professor Aderonke Mojisola Baiyeroju.
Happy 70th birthday!
Cheers to many more years of service, impact and inspiration.
Tunji Oladejo is the Director of the Ibadan University Press (Publishing House), Publishers of Books, Inaugural, University, Faculty, Valedictory Lectures, etc. We move knowledge forward in a world-class environment. He writes via oladejo65@gmail.com.
08077284442
*
