BY ADAOBI NWAGBO

UI VICE CHANCELOR HISTORICAL MOMENT IN SUNDERLAND

It was a memorable day for University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole in far away United Kingdom when the University of Sunderland confers on him honourary Doctorate Degree of Science on account of his academic achievements and his contributions to the promotion of medical screening and preventative medicine in Nigeria.

The UI boss whose impressive profile provoked intermittent applause at the colourful event held at the Faculty of Applied Science of the University got a global recognition following his academic exploits and medical prowess.

Accompanied by a coterie of family members, well wishers and some principal officers of Ibadan varsity, Prof. Adewole stood tall as he was being decorated by the foreign university.

According to Sunderland university official , "Prof. Adewole as Ibadan Vice-Chancellor, has transformed the University into one of Africa’s top 10 universities.

Professor Adewole is the Principal Investigator of the AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria, Co-Principal Investigator of the Medical Education Partnership, a former Chairman of the National Task Team on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV, and Principal Investigator for ‘Operation Stop Cervical Cancer’ in Nigeria.

In 2013 he was presented with the Distinguished Service Award for Excellence in Research in recognition of his contribution to improving the health of Nigerian women.

Responding, Prof. Adewole attributed his achievements to what he called power of collective collaboration, saying team work works wonder as a strand of broom can hardly achieve any meaningful impact.

His words : 'Until you unmask it, a masquerade remains a terror’. A war against terror - of any kind - is best achieved through collective efforts. Our modest contributions from our corner of the globe have helped in restoring hope to millions of people without hope.

“It has become a lamp among the armament that unmasked the monster HIV, and we shall continue to beam the light of research on all threats to human existence

“This award is a recognition of the power of education and teamwork in addressing a global scourge.”

University of Sunderland Vice-Chancellor , Shirley Atkinson noted "Our honoraries have all made highly significant contributions within their fields and will inspire our graduates as they celebrate their academic success and embark on their careers. We are proud to pay tribute to them."

A memorandum of understanding was later signed between the two universities.

Mr Sunday Sannu, a lecturer at a UI commended the VC for his achievements.