The University of Ibadan graduating medical class of 2004 has posthumously honoured one of its classmates, Tinuade Sangolade, who died in a car accident on January 1, 2002, for the courage, tenacity, and leadership qualities she espoused as a student.
The medical set on Sunday in Ibadan described the late Sangolade − who at a point, during her studentship, was the vice president of the student’s union − as a rare gem who inspired many students with her character and leadership.
Sangolade’s classmates said that to honour her memory and motivate students, especially medical students, to embrace leadership early enough in the course of their studies, they decided to launch the Tinuade Leadership Academy (TLA) through which students could be mentored and inspired to be selfless leaders like their late colleague.
Dr Titilade Akinola, Consultant Family Physician and Chief Operating Officer of TLA, said that while they were in school leadership was perceived as something for unserious medical students, but Sangolade took it seriously and distinguished herself through it.
“We want to demystify that. We believe that putting up the attributes of Tinuade, with those of us her friends, will set an example for the junior ones coming ahead,” Akinola said.
Dr Bimbo Olugbemide, Chief Financial Officer of TLA, stated that Sangolade was someone who challenged the status quo and traversed uncharted courses even though the stakes were high.
Olugbemide − describing her late colleague as tenacious, intelligent, non-conformist, unusual, agile and authentic, daring and difference maker, and empathic – added, “She pursued her purpose, lived and impactful lives within the short time she had, and left behind a legacy that should not be forgotten.”
In the course of the event, the book ‘Understanding Medical School 2.0’ authored by the Chief Visionary Officer of TLA, Dr Micharl Koku, was launched. Koku explained how the book is related to TLA and how it will help medical students fare well in their studies.
The Chief Medical Director of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, Dr Olubunmi Fatungase, and a research anthropologist at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Dr Oludare Osiboye reviewed the book.
Koku stated that in the course of writing the book, nine fourth-year medical students, who had made distinctions in some of their medical courses, assisted in the book project. he listed them as Melody Moronikeji, Henry Agwu, Olajire Ajegbemika, Mana Sam-Oyeniyi, Oluwaseunara Arotiba, Moshood Favour Okikiola, Jonas Ibekwe, and Chioma Obiorah.
In his keynote address, titled ‘Kick up some dust’, Dr Koku stressed that living for self makes one a slave, but living for others makes one a blessing, adding that Sangolade lived for others through her leadership endeavours.
“Tinuade was not at the students’ union for what she would get, but to serve. She kicked up some dust. People who make a difference in this world are people that kick up some dust,” Koku added.
The president of the students’ union of the university and fifth-year Dentistry and Dental Surgery, Mr Tobiloba Samson, confessed that it is not easy to be a medical student and at the same time a member of the top executives of the students’ union.
He stated that Sangolade was courageous and dedicated to achieving that feat as a students’ union vice president, adding that he will be willing to assist TLA in achieving its goals and mission.
The father of the late Tinuade Sangolade, Mr Akin Sangolade Sr, appreciated the classmate of his daughter for honouring her with the initiative and speaking well of her life and work.
