TRIBUTE TO AN EXTRA-ORDINARY MENTOR

It is with great delight that I write this tribute to Professor P. O Olatunji, my academic father, a good boss and an extra-ordinary mentor. I got to know Prof. Olatunji 9 years ago and I have worked closely with him for eight and a half years. I was his only academic colleague for six and a half years until Dr D. D Ogbaro joined us about 2 years ago.

When he asked me to join him in OOU/OOUTH in 2011, I was reluctant because I wanted to be my own boss. My husband actually persuaded me, suggesting that I would gain immensely from his wealth of knowledge and experience. This, I count today as one of the best decisions of my life as I have been greatly impacted career-wise, as well as in personal development. He is an exceptional leader and a mentor par excellence. He shows you how to do a task, watches you do it, then leaves you to do it. He helped me in cutting my teeth on research and manuscripts writing. Sir, I am extremely grateful.

“Prof,” as we simply call him in the department, is highly principled but also humane and approachable. He insists that right things should be done in the right ways. He is honest and his transparency makes it difficult for anyone to turn his co-workers against him. I remember sharing a table with him for a long time, and he would he show me all memos going out and coming into the department. This has greatly helped me build trust in him, and helped in the development of my administrative skills. We practically ran the department together.

He is pleasant to work with as he doesn't look down on anyone. He believes strongly in superior and intelligent arguments backed up with correct data and evidence in dealing with issues. As Prof says, "Ibi t’eyan ba gbon mo ni alafia re mo," meaning that a person’s well-being is dependent on their level of knowledge. He is hardworking and highly committed to his job. I remember several times when he has stayed late at work and even on weekends in order to ensure optimal care for our patients. He is selfless, considerate and empathetic. He ensures that patients and relatives are carried along in the treatment plans which culminate in better management.

He is God-fearing and he believes strongly that one should work as unto God and not be men-pleasers. Recently, one senior colleague asked me what Prof will be involved in after retirement considering the fact that he is always at work even when on leave. That’s how committed he is!

Sir, as you retire, we (member of staff, students and patients) will all miss you a great deal. We pray that God Almighty will continue to grant you long life, good health, peace and joy to enjoy your retirement. We appreciate and love you. Dr (Mrs.) O. T Ojo H. O. D, Dept of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Colleague and Consultant haematologist, Olabisi Onabanjo University/ O.O.U.T.H, Sagamu.