Renowned Cancer Researcher and International Clinical Investigator to Lead Nigeria's Newest Teaching Hospital in Kwara South
Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) today celebrates the landmark appointment of Professor Ademola Alabi Popoola as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the newly designated Thomas Adewumi University Teaching Hospital, Omu-Aran. The appointment, announced by Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represents a pivotal moment in the university's mission to deliver world-class medical education and healthcare services.
Professor Popoola, a distinguished urologist, oncologist, and cancer researcher with over two decades of clinical excellence, brings unparalleled expertise to lead the transformed teaching hospital. His appointment follows the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Thomas Adewumi University and the Kwara State Government, which officially converted the Omu-Aran General Hospital into the university's teaching hospital.
A Leader with Global Impact
Prof. Popoola's credentials position him uniquely for this transformative role. As a Professor of Surgery at the University of Ilorin, he currently serves as the Nigerian National Principal Investigator for the International Registry of Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer (IRONMAN), a global research initiative. His research portfolio spans continents, with active collaborations including the Transatlantic Prostate Cancer Consortium and partnerships with institutions such as Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia.
"We are absolutely delighted to have Professor Popoola join our leadership team," said Professor Francisca Oladipo, Vice-Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University. "His appointment represents more than just administrative leadership, it embodies our commitment to excellence in medical education and healthcare delivery. Professor Popoola's extensive research background, particularly in oncology and urology, aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a world-class medical institution that addresses Africa's healthcare challenges through innovative research and clinical practice." Prof. Oladipo further emphasized the strategic importance of this appointment: "As we prepare to welcome our first cohort of medical students on 28th September, having a leader of Professor Popoola's calibre ensures that our students will learn from and be mentored by one of Nigeria's foremost medical experts. His international research experience and clinical expertise will be invaluable in establishing our teaching hospital as a centre of excellence in medical education and patient care."
Distinguished Academic and Clinical Background
Professor Popoola holds multiple prestigious fellowships, including FMCS (Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria), FWACS (Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons), and an MD from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. His international training includes fellowships at Thomas Jefferson University and the Sheffield Kidney Institute in the UK. His research portfolio includes over 60 peer-reviewed publications in leading medical journals, with particular focus on prostate cancer, kidney disease, and urological disorders. As a Principal Investigator for multiple international clinical trials, he has contributed significantly to advancing cancer care for African populations. Notably, Prof. Popoola serves on the Faculty Board of the West African College of Surgeons and represents Nigeria in the British Urology Researchers in Surgical Training (BURST) Research Collaborative, demonstrating his commitment to elevating surgical education and research standards across West Africa.
Transforming Healthcare in Kwara South
The Thomas Adewumi University Teaching Hospital represents the first tertiary healthcare facility in Kwara South, marking a historic milestone for the region. Under Prof. Popoola's leadership, the hospital is expected to provide advanced medical services while serving as a premier training ground for the next generation of healthcare professionals.
"This appointment is a testament to our university's commitment to attracting the finest minds in medicine," said Dr Johnson Adewumi, Chancellor and Founder, Thomas Adewumi University. "We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming healthcare delivery in Kwara South. The Governor's dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated through this groundbreaking partnership, reflects his understanding that quality healthcare is fundamental to human development and prosperity."
The Chancellor continued: "Governor AbdulRazaq's support for this initiative exemplifies his administration's people-centered approach to governance. By facilitating this transformation of Omu-Aran General Hospital into a world-class teaching facility, he has not only addressed the immediate healthcare needs of Kwara South but has also invested in the long-term development of our region. Professor Popoola's vision for integrating cutting-edge research with clinical excellence will position our teaching hospital as a beacon of medical innovation in Nigeria and beyond, made possible by the Governor's commitment to excellence."
Supporting the Chancellor by further highlighting the broader imapct, the Vice-Chancellor, said: "With Professor Popoola at the helm and the continued support of Governor AbdulRazaq's administration, our teaching hospital will serve as a catalyst for regional development. This partnership demonstrates that when government and academia work together with shared vision, we can create institutions that not only serve immediate healthcare needs but also contribute to addressing Nigeria's shortage of specialized medical professionals through quality training and research. We are honored to be part of the Governor's legacy of transformational leadership in Kwara State."
A Vision for Excellence
Prof. Popoola's appointment comes at a crucial time as TAU prepares for its inaugural medical student intake. His extensive experience in medical education, having supervised numerous doctoral students and contributed to curriculum development, will be instrumental in establishing robust clinical training programs. The CMD role encompasses overseeing the hospital's transition from a general hospital to a comprehensive teaching facility, developing specialized medical services, and establishing research programs that address regional and national healthcare priorities.
About Thomas Adewumi University Teaching Hospital
The Thomas Adewumi University Teaching Hospital, Omu-Aran, represents a groundbreaking partnership between Thomas Adewumi University and the Kwara State Government. This collaboration transforms the existing Omu-Aran General Hospital into a state-of-the-art tertiary healthcare facility and teaching hospital, designed to support the university's medical education programs while providing advanced healthcare services to the people of Kwara State and beyond.
About Thomas Adewumi University
Thomas Adewumi University, licensed in April 2021, has rapidly emerged as one of Nigeria's leading private universities, ranking 6th among private universities nationwide. Founded by the renowned Engineer, Dr. Johnson Adewumi, TAU focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Innovation (STEM-i) education, preparing students to become global leaders and problem-solvers.
The university's commitment to practical, hands-on learning and its emphasis on producing globally competitive graduates aligns with its mission to address contemporary challenges through innovation and excellence.
