With heartfelt appreciation and camaraderie, Thomas Adewumi University hosted an elegant dinner in honour of Professor Clement Kiire, a renowned Consultant Gastroenterologist based in Manchester City, United Kingdom, during his courtesy and familiarization visit to the university.
The special dinner reception took place on the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025, at the scenic swimming poolside of TAU’s West Campus, and brought together the university’s leadership and academic community in a gesture of heartfelt hospitality.
In attendance were the University Founder and Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, the Co-Founder, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Adewumi, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca Oladipo, alongside Deans of Faculties, Directors, and Principal Officers of the university. The occasion provided a moment of celebration and reflection on the significance of Prof. Kiire’s visit to the TAU College of Medical and Health Sciences.
Welcoming the guest of honour, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francisca Oladipo described the day as a remarkable one in the history of the university. “Today is one of those beautiful days in our story as we become the first university in Nigeria to host Professor Kiire at our College of Medical and Health Sciences,” she said. “We are happy to share this evening together as one family, exchanging great ideas. Professor, you are always welcome to TAU — this College is now your new baby.”
In his address, the Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi extended deep appreciation to Professor Kiire for honouring the university with his visit, describing his arrival as a divine addition to the TAU family. “I thank God for adding Professor Kiire to our team. I believe in doing things differently, because I want TAU to be the best,” he said. " I want TAU graduates to be so exceptional that employers compete for them, and together we shall succeed.”
He further acknowledged Dr. Mrs. Gloria Adewumi, Co-Founder of the university, for her unwavering support, and commended Prof. Oladipo for her visionary leadership and forward-thinking approach to advancing the university’s goals. The Chancellor also lauded all staff members for their dedication to TAU’s ongoing projects.
In his response, Professor Kiire expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception, describing his experience at TAU as both humbling and inspiring. “It is a great honour and privilege to be in such a beautiful university with a promising future,” he said. “I am truly impressed by your online presence, your impact, and the steady rise in rankings. What you have here is an amazing legacy.”
He pledged unwavering support for TAU’s Medical School, “I will work till my bones ache to support this vision — through research, grants, and any meaningful way I can contribute,” he added. He also suggested the introduction of a “Staff of the Year” celebration as a way to recognize and encourage dedicated personnel. His speech reflected a deep commitment to contributing his expertise to the growth of TAU’s medical programs and global visibility.
The evening concluded on a cheerful note as guests dined and mingled in a relaxed atmosphere, celebrating the promising relationship between Professor Kiire and the TAU community. The event not only marked the close of his visit but also the beginning of a lasting partnership rooted in excellence, vision, and global impact.
