Lack of fund almost stalled my medical ambition - Ipaye
Written by Kunle Oderemi Friday, 30 July 2010
Dr Babatunde Ipaye is an ideal role model as he was able to overcome some great barriers to become the current adviser to the National Malaria Control Programme, a United Kingdom Department for International Development-funded Support to Nigeria Malaria Programme writes Kunle Oderemi.
He is exceptionally brilliant and can, in fact, be regarded as another genius from the African continent. In 1986, he came out with eight distinctions in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) organised school certificate examination from Beje High School, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State. His academic excellence also shone glowingly when he obtained the required cut-off mark at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination to study medicine and surgery at the Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago-Iwoye.
But his burning desire for higher education and a career in medicine was almost aborted prematurely. After scaling the initial hurdles posed by JAMB, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye was beset by another stark reality: lack of fund.
However, he was not discouraged by the challenge, because where there is the will, there will always be a way. He kept the flame of his quest for education, especially medicine burning. So, he approached members of Rotary Club, Ijebu-Igbo, during their meeting at Naira International Hotel in the ancient town for assistance. He did not make a wrong move, as the international organisation offered him a scholarship award of N1, 000 on a yearly basis till the completion of his programme at the university.
Another window of opportunity came his way when members of the Prestige Sisters, Ijebu-Igbo, (PRESSI) paid a visit to his mother, Madam Ajoke Ipaye, at home. They made their own little contribution to further lift the spirit of the ambitious young man. Today, that indigent student is currently the adviser to the National Malaria Control Programme, a United Kingdom Department for International Development-funded SUNMAP Project.
In his meteoric rise, Ipaye had a stint at Victory Hospital, Ijebu-Igbo, between 1994 and 1995, shortly after he qualified as a medical doctor in 1992. He later established his own hospital known as Idunnu Clinic, located in Ijebu-Igbo, his home town. He commenced his Postgraduate Medical Training programme in May 2000 and later became a fellow of the West African College of Physician in October 2006. He has to his credit, a Master’s of Public Health degree from the University of Lagos in December 2002.
Because of his passion to impart knowledge to others, he secured an appointment with the Department of Community Medicine and Primary Care, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State between 2007 and 2008. He was employed by the Family Health International on the senior programme as a senior technical response coordinator between 2008 and 2009,.
Today, it is payback time for Ipaye as he embarks on philanthropic projects designed to give back to the society, which gave him the opportunity to realise his ambition. He recently inaugurated the Ajoke Ipaye Foundation the day he turned 40, and to mark the day, he commenced scholarships for five indigent students on a yearly basis.
The beneficiaries of the first edition include Miss Ayobami Esther Ayoola (100 Level Microbiology student at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State), Miss Mariam Olansile Afosi (100 Level Microbiology student at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State), Miss Asisat Kehinde Odulana (200 Level Mathematics undergraduate of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State), Mr. Sakiru Adebayo (100 Level English Language undergraduate of the University of Ibadan, Oyo State) and Miss Mary Abisola Adenubi (scored 266 at the recent JAMB examination and wants to study Law at UI).
The event was held at the same Naira International Hotel where, 24 years ago, the young Ipaye literarily begged Rotary Club for a scholarship award and his request was granted.
The inauguration of the Foundation afforded Ipaye an opportunity to reflect on his humble beginning, the challenges he had to overcome and personalities who played a leading role in his quest to succeed in life. He said, “I was standing here in this hotel 24 years ago before members of the Rotary Club of Ijebu-Igbo. They contributed and offered me a scholarship. A few weeks later, Mrs. A.K Ogunyemi, my principal in the secondary school, came with members of the PRESSI Club to meet my mother at home.
The club contributed money towards my provisional admission at the university. The N1,000 I was collecting as scholarship on a yearly basis between 1986 and 1992 transformed my life. Today, with their support, I am fulfilling a pledge I made solemnly in 1986 to give back to my community,” an overwhelmed Ipaye recalled.
His revelation elicited endless applause from the distinguished audience. The personalities present included four monarchs namely: the Lukale of Oke-Sopin, Oba Adesesan Yusuf, Beje Roku of Oke-Agbo, Oba Olaoye Abass, Olokurie of Ojowo, Oba Odusote and the Keebo of Atikori, Oba Ibitoye Solaja. Another eminent dignitary was a former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Adegbenga Kaka.
The audience was held spellbound by Ipaye’s historical revelations and his avowed declaration to show gratitude to the society.
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