Prof. P. O Olatunji; One of a Kind!

My initial contact with Prof. Olatunji left me thinking that he was one of a kind. I mean, why would he say I needed to do more?! This was after thinking there could never be faults in my dissertation. How naïve that sounds! I remember when I relayed this to him much later when I joined the board of examiners, that as resident doctors, nobody wanted him as an assessor.

But then, this is a typical thought a student has of a good assessor. It only means a student does not understand or accept a firm and critical mentor. With the benefit of hindsight, I will forever remain grateful for the wonderful and positive tutelage. You have not only been a good tutor but you have taught me how to tutor well. I enjoy every moment that I sit and mark resident’s exams with you because it is always a teaching session even till at today. I admire the way you present your criticisms with such clarity, style and attention to detail. I have often wondered if I would ever be so skilled. I do not regret coming across an amazing personality like yours. Remain blessed Sir.

I am also highly honoured to write on behalf of the Nigerian Society for Haematology and Blood Transfusion; A society that has benefitted enormously from Prof. Olatunji’s membership and is still benefiting. His commitment to NSHBT is overwhelming just by observing his passion to see that the interest of this association and its members are fulfilled at all costs. You can call on him anytime for his input on matters affecting the association and he will do his best despite his busy schedule.

This passion has seen him climb to become the Vice-Chairman (West African region) of the African Society for Blood Transfusion, to bring the NSHBT on board this international body. He was instrumental in getting all Nigerian financial members of the AfSBT to the membership of the British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS) in which one will have free membership (no annual fees), reduction in their conference registration and some bursary for those with accepted abstracts in addition to free online copies of their BBTS Journal (Transfusion Medicine and Bloodlines).

As the sitting president, if I say I benefit from his contribution towards the realisation of the National Blood Transfusion Bill, it would only be an understatement. On these matters, I have spoken to him for the umpteenth time, including his private time with family and he does not hesitate to give his opinion anytime, even this morning, Saturday 7.03.2020 at 10.00 am. We are indeed grateful and lucky to have committed members like you. Posterity will write your name in gold for your positive contributions and achievements for this association.

We, members of the NSHBT wish everything that you wish yourself and more. Continue to age gracefully. Aisha Kuliya – Gwarzo. President NSHBT