UI College of Medicine Celebrates $1 Million Alumni Gift with New Students’ Hostel

Ibadan, Oyo State — In a landmark event for the University of Ibadan (UI) College of Medicine, a new students’ hostel block, the Philip O. Ozuah Building (Block C), was officially opened, marking the first of six blocks pledged by distinguished alumnus Dr. Philip O. Ozuah, MD, class of 1985. The $1 million donation from Dr. Ozuah and the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide (ICOMAA-WW) underscores a powerful legacy of giving back and commitment to medical education in Nigeria.

Dr. Ozuah, currently President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine in New York, USA, returned to his alma mater to personally inaugurate the state-of-the-art hostel facility. His generous contribution aims to enhance student welfare and accommodation, ensuring future generations of medical professionals have a conducive environment for learning and growth.

A Proud Legacy of Excellence and Giving Back

Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, Vice-Chancellor of UI, lauded Dr. Ozuah’s global achievements in medicine and education, emphasizing his deep connection to his roots in Nigeria. “Dr. Ozuah’s commitment to funding this hostel project reflects his unwavering belief in empowering the next generation of medical professionals,” the Vice-Chancellor said.

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The event was attended by notable dignitaries including the Deputy Governors of Oyo and Enugu States, Barrister Adebayo Lawal and Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai respectively, who both praised Dr. Ozuah’s public-spiritedness and urged other alumni to emulate his example. They highlighted the critical role alumni play in sustaining and expanding educational infrastructure in Nigeria.

National and Diaspora Support for UI’s Growth

Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education and Health, including Mr. Funsho Adewale Aderibigbe and Dr. Jimoh Salahudeen, commended the College of Medicine for attracting impactful partnerships that enhance its reputation as a premier institution. Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), called on Nigerians worldwide to collaborate in nation-building efforts, inspired by Dr. Ozuah’s generosity.

The Nigerian Consul General in New York, Ambassador (Dr.) Abubakar Jidda, reminded Nigerians abroad of their vital role in supporting national development through such initiatives.

Commitment to Medical Education and Student Welfare

Professor Bukola Adesina, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at University College Hospital (UCH), represented the Chief Medical Director and praised the new hostel as a milestone in advancing medical education, research, and patient care.

The building was formally dedicated in prayers led by former Provost Professor Olayinka Omigbodun and Dr. Jimoh Salahudeen before Dr. Ozuah declared it open with the Vice-Chancellor’s support.

About Dr. Philip O. Ozuah

Dr. Ozuah graduated from UI College of Medicine in 1985 and has since built an illustrious career in clinical medicine, healthcare leadership, and medical education in the United States. His leadership at Montefiore Medicine, one of New York’s leading healthcare systems, has earned him international recognition. Despite his global success, Dr. Ozuah remains committed to uplifting his alma mater and Nigerian medical education through philanthropy and mentorship.

This historic donation and the opening of the Philip O. Ozuah Building symbolize the power of alumni engagement in transforming educational institutions and nurturing future leaders in medicine. The UI College of Medicine community and Nigeria at large stand to benefit immensely from such visionary contributions.