The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, has described renowned virologist and one of Nigeria’s leading voices in infectious disease control, Prof. Sunday Omilabu, as a great Nigerian whose exemplary achievements are worthy of emulation.

Ogunsola, who was represented by the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, stated this at a special valedictory symposium held in honour of Omilabu at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL).

According to her, “When history records the story of public health in Nigeria, Omilabu’s name will be written in gold. It was his swift and decisive scientific expertise that confirmed Nigeria’s index case of Ebola in 2014 and the index case of COVID-19 in 2020. Those critical breakthroughs provided the foundation for our nation’s rapid, globally acclaimed containment strategies. In moments of national panic, his laboratory was a sanctuary of certainty, and his leadership saved countless lives.”

The event was attended by dignitaries, colleagues, academics, medical professionals, friends, family members and well-wishers from across the country and beyond, who gathered to celebrate Omilabu’s contributions to virology, medical research, public health and the training of the next generation of scientists. Omilabu retired at the age of 70.

Chairman of the event and renowned virologist, Prof. Abdulsalami Nasidi, recalled that during the Lassa fever and Ebola outbreaks, Omilabu was at the frontline, combining scientific rigour with compassion for humanity.

Nasidi, who was also the pioneer Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), said Omilabu had been “a pillar in the fight against infectious diseases in the country,” adding that his footprints remained indelible.

“He has also mentored many and established molecular diagnostics platforms,” Nasidi said.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to include Omilabu in the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease preparedness.

The Dean, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, CMUL, Prof. Fatimah Abdulkareem, also noted that Omilabu’s contributions to public health, medical education and virology were significant.

In his keynote address, titled “Defending a Nation Against Invisible Foes: Sunday Omilabu and the Evolution of Virology,” Professor of Virology, Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, Prof. Olatunji Kolawole, said Omilabu served with distinction over a career spanning several decades.

Kolawole said Omilabu’s presence in the laboratory was marked by an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing for the right reasons.

Also speaking, Professor of Virology, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Prof. Daniel Oluwayelu, expressed concern over the high prevalence of zoonotic diseases affecting humans.

According to him, about 60 per cent of infectious diseases in humans and three-quarters of emerging infectious diseases are of animal origin. He described the figures as alarming, stressing the need for greater attention to diseases transmitted between animals and humans.

The highlight of the event was the launch of a special endowment in honour of Omilabu. The endowment will recognise the best graduating postgraduate student in the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology at each University of Lagos convocation ceremony.