It was an elating moment for the erudite Professor of Pharmacology, Fola Tayo, when one of his old students from the University of Ibadan, Dr Sunny Olubusayo Awe, named the Pharmacy Department of a newly commissioned hospital in Ilesha, Osun State, after him.
Dr Awe, founder of Daniel Adewole Awe Medical Centre (DAAMC) along with his wife, Yinka, while dedicating the health institution in memory of his late father, Pa. Daniel Adewole Awe, recently, thought it a well-deserved honour for his former lecturer to name the Pharmacy Department after him.
Awe was a Pharmacology student of Prof. Tayo, at the University of Ibadan (1981 – 1984), but currently works at the Food Drug Administration,FDA, in Washington, DC, USA, whilst the wife is an oncology specialist in Washington, DC.
In appreciation of their kind gesture, Prof. Tayo thanked the couple and ascribed all glory to the Almighty God as he described himself unworthy of the honour.
“An old student of mine from the University of Ibadan, currently a big shot at Food Drug Administration, FDA, in Washington DC, USA, is dedicating a Medical Centre he built with his wife in memory of his father.
“My greatest surprise is that they have decided to name the Pharmacy department of this massive hospital to my name as PROF. ‘FOLA TAYO PHARMACY DEPARTMENT. To me, this is the doing of the LORD.
“Please join me today and always to thank God for I an convinced I do not deserve this”, he remarked,
Prof. Tayo, born on 29, February 1944, in Lagos, is married to Moji, and the union is blessed with children.
He has taught several pharmacists in Nigeria and diaspora on Pharmacology. A few among many institutions he has lectured are: Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1975-77; Lec turer, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, 1979-85; Fogarty International Fellow, Medical Centre, University of California, Los Angeles, USA, 1981-82; Lecturer, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Balti more, Maryland, USA and the Merk Institute of Therapeutic Research (Cardiovascular Divi sion), USA, 1982;
He was also a lecturer and first Sub-dean of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, 1980; Visiting Associate Professor in Blood Vessels Group, College of Medicine, University of Vermount, Burlington, USA, 1984; Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Ogun State University, Shagamu Campus, 1985-88; Professor of Biopharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, 1988; Dean, School of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, since January 1989.
Prof. Tayo is also a member of several international pharmaceutical bodies, including, Royal Pharmaceutical Society; British Pharmacological Society and Secretary to its Editorial Board, 1977-81, General Secretary, 1981-84; founding member, Union of African Societies for Pharmacology and its treasurer, 1979-84; Institute of Pharmacy Management International; Physiological Society of Nigeria.
He was Assistant General Secretary, National Association of Basic Medical Scientists; Member, International Union of Pharmacology; Secretary-General, Christian Foundations and President, “The Living Word Mission” among others.
Well deserved sir… Greater heights of Glory in Jesus name…. Congratulations sir
Prof. Tayo deserves the honors and I am joining him in praising God for it.