Retirement/70th Birthday Tribute to Prof. Phillip Olatunji

Professor Phillip Olatunji is a member of the Board of Trustee of the Christian Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (CMDA Nigeria). He is an elder, father, senior colleague, and mentor per excellence to me personally and the house of CMDA Nigeria in general. He is a pillar of some sort in CMDA Nigeria, an embodiment of humility, integrity, steadfastness, and unwavering commitment to the Lord no matter the odds. He has a gift of being unfazed amid adversity and inspires all around him to aspire for to fulfill whatever task assigned despite obvious limitations that naturally would have been good excuses for non-performance. He contributed immensely to the ‘resuscitation’ of CMDA OOUTH Sagamu Chapter when the Chapter was for some reasons almost moribund few years ago.

I have known Prof. Phillip Olatunji for almost three decades now, first as an undergraduate medical student in University of Ibadan, then as an house officer at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, 1996-1997, later as a Pathology Resident, and ever since I became a Consultant Pathologist in 2006. Over all these years, I have known Prof. Phillip Olatunji to be consistent as a person and as a Christian in whatever he believes in.

He likes to say things the way they are, not minding whose toes might inadvertently be stepped upon in the process. You always know where he stands on issues without any ambiguity. He is a gifted teacher and an eloquent speaker, yet a firm believer that you do not have to be officially ‘ordained’ as a pastor just because you can eloquently teach and preach the Word of God.

He is a deeply passionate believer that the profession of Pathology must show leadership and champion a positive change of the current narrative of Laboratory Medicine in the Nigerian healthcare sector. He is currently the National President of the College of Nigerian Pathologists (formerly Association of Pathologist of Nigeria).

CMDA Nigeria and the body of Pathologists in Nigeria wishes Prof. Phillip Olatunji a peaceful, prosperous retirement life and a happy 70th birthday celebration while trusting God to continue to strengthen and keep him in good health for many more years to come in Jesus name. Amen. Dr. Oyetunji Soriyan, President, CMDA Nigeria