A distinguished Ophthalmologist, Teacher of Teachers, & Author, Professor Adenike Olatoke Abiose [Nee Omikunle] was born in 1943.
After her early education at Baptist Girls’ High School, Abeokuta & Queen’s School, Ede, Adenike Abiose was enrolled at the premier University of Ibadan, where she emerged as the Best 1967 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery [MB, BS] graduate. She was also the best graduating student in the 1960 West African School Certificate exams — with 7 distinctions!
She received further professional training at the University College, Ibadan and Institute of Ophthalmology, London; and subsequently earned the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons — Edinburgh, West African College of Surgeons, Medical College of Ophthalmologists — UK, and National Post-graduate Medical College of Nigeria.
Adenike Aboise’s brilliant career spans over five decades from 1967, when she was engaged as a House Officer at the University College Hospital [UCH]. She progressively served in senior critical capacities at Sunderland Eye Hospital; Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle; Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton; and Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
This renowned Eye Specialist was a Senior Lecturer, University of Lagos College of Medicine [1975-1977], Senior Lecturer to Professor of Ophthalmology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria [1978-1985] – capping it all with an eventful eight-and-a half years’ tenure as Chief Medical Director of the National Eye Centre, Kaduna; and thereafter as Chief Medical Director of Sightcare International at Ibadan. Indeed, she conceptualized the Kaduna State Eye Care Programme and sourced tremendous support from the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind [now known as Sightsavers], to implement the initiative. This formed the basis for the development of the Nigerian National Programme for the Prevention of Blindness (NPPB) under the theme “The Right to Sight”.
Professor Adenike Abiose prioritized human resource development for eye care in Nigeria, including residency training of many doctors for the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and West African College of Surgeons. Her out-reach services ensured that many vulnerable persons had access to primary healthcare.
A former President, Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, she is widely- recognized for her pioneering role in medical and surgical retina in Nigeria. She was also Co-Chairman for Africa, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness [1994-1999], Member, Advisory Council & International Council of Ophthalmology [1989-2006], and served for several years on Nigerian national and World Health Organisation Committees in relation to onchocerciasis, neglected tropical diseases and blindness control.
An Officer of the Order of the Niger [OON], Professor Adenike Abiose won, in 2003, the globally-acclaimed Mectizan Award for outstanding efforts in controlling river blindness. She is also a recipient of the 2009 Nigerian Academy of Science/LNG Nigeria Hall of Fame Award for pioneering field trials of ivermectin for onchocerciasis and operational use of Mectizan for the successful control of onchocerciasis in Africa; and Certificate of Recognition from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
She was happily married with children, for some 50 years to Dr. Popoola Abiose, of blessed memory.
Ladies & Gentlemen, we invite Professor Adenike Olatoke Abiose to come forward and receive the “2021 Hallmarks of Labour Role Model Award for Outstanding Contributions in the Field of Medicine”.
Please accept our Hearty Congratulations.