Dignitaries and professionals in the medical field have extolled the exemplary qualities of Prof Azeez Butali who was in September appointed as an Endowed Professor at the University of Iowa where he currently works as a Dental Scientist.
In a celebration party held in his honour at The Celebration Garden’ in Ikeja GRA, Lagos on Thursday, they commended him for his contribution to the field of dentistry.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, who was the Mother of the Day, described Butali as one with a large heart and a worthy professional who has made several feats in his medical profession and impacted lives within the institution and outside.
She described the endowed professorship given to him as a testament that possibilities abound to anyone no matter the colour or circumstances
“Prof. Butali has a large heart and is a shining example of our alumni and Nigeria at large, and I am proud of your achievement. You are an inspiration to us all, and as the mother of the day, I have adopted you as my son,” she stated.
The Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, noted that the recognition from the diaspora showed that Butali’s contribution to the medical field is well appreciated.
“Prof Butali has contributed significantly to the medical profession in Nigeria. He is a fellow of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria and for you to become a fellow you must have contributed immensely to the sector and recognised in the diaspora as well and this honour befits you,” Adeyemo said.
In her speech, the President of the Association of Movie Producers, Queen Blessing Ebigieson, stated that Butali is a rare breed and someone who has excelled beyond his medical profession.
She disclosed that though she found out Butali was her cousin, his philanthropic and selfless qualities had initially endeared him to her when she reached out to him as regards support for her foundation.
Ebigieson added that with all these sterling qualities, Butali deserved to be a leader in the political sphere where he would be able to make far-reaching reforms and impact more lives.
The celebrant, in his reaction, noted that he was a product of the investment of his father, Alhaji Ibrahim Butali, who put a premium on education.
He said education is an investment that will ultimately yield many fruits and urged the federal and state governments to pay more attention to the educational sector, adding that experiential knowledge should be added to the course of knowledge in secondary schools as this would expose students to the practical of the things learned in class early on.
Butali joined the College of Dentistry in 2013 after completing his postdoctoral fellowship in Craniofacial Genetics at the University of Iowa.
The Endowed Professorship is the highest academic rank the university can bestow on any faculty.
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