The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan Chapter, held its 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Session on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the CanHET Building, UCH, Ibadan. Themed “Thriving as a Consultant: Growth, Challenges and Fulfilment at Every Stage,” the event featured a scientific session titled “Becoming the Consultant You Were Meant to Be”.
Slated for 12:00 p.m., the event commenced at about 12:40 p.m. with the recitation of the National Anthem, followed by the acknowledgement of distinguished guests and the introduction of members of the high table. Among those in attendance were Prof. J. A. Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director, UCH; Prof. T. O. Ogundiran, Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan; Prof. Aderonke M. Baiyeroju, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), University of Ibadan; Prof. Adeola Fowotade, keynote speaker and Provost of the Benjamin S. Carson College of Health and Medical Sciences, Babcock University; and Dr. Oluseyi Akande, Chairman, MDCAN-UCH, alongside other distinguished guests and attendees.
Following the introductions, Prof. Rasheed Ajani Bakare, Professor of Clinical Microbiology at UCH, led the recitation of the Hippocratic Oath. This was followed by a welcome address from Dr. Oluseyi Akande, Chairman, MDCAN-UCH, who acknowledged the guests and welcomed attendees to the programme, with a special commendation for the medical students of UIMSA. Goodwill messages were subsequently delivered by Prof. J. A. Otegbayo, CMD, UCH, Prof. T. O. Ogundiran, Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and Dr. Femi Aworinde, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State Branch. The citation of the keynote speaker was then read by Dr. (Mrs.) Tinuade Adesola Ajani, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UCH, Ibadan, formally introducing the keynote speaker, Prof. Adeola Fowotade, who subsequently delivered her keynote address.
In her presentation, Prof. Adeola Fowotade highlighted fulfilment as an important part of a consultant’s career, describing it as a combination of purpose, excellence, service, people and legacy. She encouraged consultants to understand why they chose medicine and to continually develop clinical mastery while staying current with evidence and best practices. Beyond treating diseases, consultants were urged to see and serve patients with compassion, integrity and dignity, while building meaningful relationships with colleagues, patients and multidisciplinary teams. The presentation also emphasised teaching and developing younger doctors, contributing to medical knowledge through research, and taking responsibility for improving departments, hospitals and the wider health system. It stressed the importance of maintaining a life beyond medicine by protecting family, friendships, faith and personal interests. Finally, consultants were encouraged to recognise their milestones, build a lasting legacy and focus not only on what they can achieve, but on what they can leave behind for the people and profession they serve. The presentation was met with a standing ovation from the audience afterwards.
The panel session brought together six medical professionals from different specialties: Prof. Aderonke M. Baiyeroju, a Professor of Ophthalmology; Prof. Akin-Tunde A. Odukogbe, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Dr. Timothy O. Aladelusi, Reader in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Dr. Oluwasanmi Ajagbe, a general and breast oncological surgeon; Dr. Ayodele O. Iyun, an Associate Lecturer in Surgery and Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon; and Dr. Olanike Allison Orimolade of the Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine. Their varied specialties provided different perspectives on the discussion, particularly on the realities, responsibilities and opportunities that come with building a long-term career in medicine. The session was moderated by
The panelists explored the realities of sustaining a medical career while taking on leadership and administrative responsibilities, with particular attention to burnout and work-life balance. One recurring point was the importance of finding purpose in medicine, creating structure around one’s responsibilities, and being deliberate about managing competing demands. The panel also highlighted mentorship and leadership development, with speakers sharing how mentors and involvement in professional organisations shaped their careers. They noted that leadership and extracurricular responsibilities need not be distractions when properly balanced, while technology and effective systems can also help reduce administrative burdens and create more time for clinical work and personal life.
Following the panel session, awards and commemorative plaques were presented to the keynote speaker and all the panellists by Professor Wuraola Adebola Shokunbi, Distinguished Professor of Haematology and the first female Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and Dr Oluseyi Akande, Chairman MDCAN-UCH.
The event then proceeded to the closing remarks delivered by Dr Emmanuel Jite, Assistant General Secretary of the MDCAN, UCH Ibadan chapter who thanked all attending members for their patience and active participation throughout the meeting. The programme officially ended at about 3:35 p.m. with the singing of the National Anthem.