It was an honour to celebrate the academic excellence of Prof. Munir’deen Aderemi Ijaiya, a distinguished member of the University of Ilorin’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. A dear friend to the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, it was a privilege to virtually witness on October 12th, the delivery of his lecture, “The Leaking Pipes as Avoidable Tragedy of Womanhood: The Odyssey of a Fistula Surgeon,” during the 243rd Inaugural Lecture at this highly-respected and esteemed academic institution.

Resonating perfectly with The Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s mission, which is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of women and children in Africa, particularly focusing on maternal and newborn health, Prof. Ijaiya’s journey as a fistula surgeon sheds light on the challenges and successes in providing essential care and support to women during childbirth.

Am exemplary individual whose relentless efforts have a significant impact on maternal and child health, #WBFA has witnessed Prof. Ijaiya’s remarkable contributions to the success of our programming based on the vital role of accessible, high-quality healthcare services for pregnant women and newborns through Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit education.

He has tirelessly worked to enhance the capacity and capability of healthcare professionals in this region, and under his leadership, the first #WBFA @LSTMNews CMNH EmONC Center of Excellence was established. This effort culminated in the creation of the second Center of Excellence and the first National Center of Excellence at the Kwara State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilorin, on May 31, 2022. Additionally, 12 localised clustered skills laboratories were established and donated by the programme at public health facilities across Kwara State.

The WBFA takes pride in Professor Ijaiya’s contributions to positioning Kwara State as a leading innovator in improving maternal and child survival and reducing birth injuries such as vesico-vaginal fistula #VVF in Nigeria. Kwara State is the first and only state to receive, lead, and successfully complete a whole-state global standard training program in EmONC.

Prof. Ijaiya’s dedication as a fistula surgeon and his involvement in the development of #EmONC and #NICU programmes have saved numerous lives, alleviated unnecessary suffering, and strengthened the healthcare system. The collaboration between The @WellbeingAfrica Foundation, Prof. Ijaiya, and the #UITH exemplifies the power of partnerships in advancing our shared mission of improving maternal and child health.

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