About prof arigbabu
Here are a few things about him
With roots in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria, Prof Arigbabu's career spanned from prestigious German medical institutions to pioneering advancements in Nigerian healthcare..
Professor Anthony O. Arigbabu was a distinguished surgeon known for his clinical excellence and dedication to patient care..
As a mentor, Prof Arigbabu shaped the careers of numerous surgeons, leaving a lasting impact on medical education and practice in Nigeria..
Beyond his professional achievements, Prof Arigbabu was revered for his kindness, generosity, and commitment to community service.
His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, both in the operating room and in the hearts of those who knew him.
Until his passing, he was the overall Head (Olori Ebi) of Arigbabu Family home and abroad
prof. a.o. arigbabu
Prof A.O. Arigbabu
Biography of Prof. A. O. Arigbabu
Genealogy and Early Life.
Professor Anthony O. Arigbabu was born November 29, 1935 in Ijebu Ode from most distinguished families in Ijebu-Ode. On his paternal side, he hailed from the popular Arigbabu family dynasty in Ijebu-Ode and on the maternal side from the Kuku lineage also from Ijebu-Ode.
He completed his secondary education at Ijebu Muslim College, before undertaking post-secondary studies at Geothe-Institute Brilon_Sadt in 1958. .
He subsequently pursued medical training in Germany and attended the following universities: University of Göttingen, University of Hamburg and Medical School Hannover.
At his early professional career, young Anthony O. Arigbabu won several awards like:
- Faculty Foundation Scholarship (1960-1961)
- DAAD German Exchange Scholarship (1961-1965)
- KAAD Research Scholarship (1962-1966)
- Best Performance Award at 10th International Early Gastric Cancer Seminar in Japan (1978)
Before returning to Nigeria, Prof Oluwole Arigbabi garnered valuable surgical experience across different hospitals and he became a consultant surgeon in Germany in 1972. He served in roles like:
- Elected Member, Board of Governors, Medical School Hannover (1972-1975)
- Head of Helicopter Emergency Rescue Team, Hannover (1972–1975)
- Surgical Representative on Continuous Medical Education to GPs in North-West Germany (1973-1975)
He also became Board Certified Surgeon (Fachargt Feur Chirurgie) and Board Certified Traumatologist (Facharzt Fuer Chrurgie) in 1972 .
his german medical career.
In Germany, Prof Arigbabu hosted a delegation from Nigeria including the eminent Professor Thomas Adesanya Ige Grillo that urged him to return home to join University of Ife's (now Obafemi Awolowo University) newly established College of Health Sciences. Prof Arigbabu was inspired by Professor Grillo’s impassioned appeals to contribute to their homeland and heeded the compatriot call. .
Career in Nigeria
Upon arrival, Prof Anthony Arigbabu returned to Nigeria with a fully loaded, state of the art ambulance, to assist with medical services to Ile-Ife. He was a versatile surgeon. He trained as a surgical gastroenterologist / Endoscopist and traumatologist. He immensely contributed to medical and surgical education at OAU/OAUTHC over the years through clinical and academic leadership. Prof Arigbabu was also responsible for equipping the surgical theatres, both at SDA and ISH hospitals in 1976/77.
Achievements and Positions Held:
- Significant contribution to gastrointestinal endoscopy training in Nigeria
- Established formal trauma surgery units
- Organized the first endoscopy workshop in Nigeria (1984)
- Became the first African member of Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- Served as General Secretary of West African Society of Gastroenterology
- Appointed Chairman MAC (the second CMAC) & he served as Head of Dept of Surgery at various times and Director of Clinical Services and Training at Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife
- Member, Ogun State University Foundation Committee
- Examiner, Faculty Board of Surgery for National Postgraduate Medical College .
Excerpt from the Tribute Written by Prof Roger Makanjuola (Former Obafemi Awolowo University & Former CMD OAUTHC, Ile-Ife)
“In Ife, my friend grew into one of the greatest medical practitioners in the country. As a surgeon, he had no equal. In his sub-specialty of Gastrointestinal surgery he achieved great distinction. He pioneered gastrointestinal endoscopy and developed an endoscopy centre that drew clients from all over the country. His research output was of very high quality and his progress to Professorship in Surgery was inevitable. He was a truly great teacher. The majority of the surgeons in Great Ife were trained by him and in this respect the mentorship provided to them by this great man made an important impact on them.” .
Family life
Professor Arigbabu was married to Margit (deceased) with 4 children - Patrick, Jennifer, Alexandra and John - and several grandchildren. Although he was born into a Muslim family, he converted to Christianity and was a Roman Catholic until his death.
Social Life & Hobby
Prof Arigbabu was a very popular and friendly person in his community and his residence hosted frequent visitors – many of his colleagues, friends, and his relatives.
He was fondly called “Oga” by his close friends. On weekends, he used to go fishing with his close friend Prof Roger Makanjuola.
Celebrations
Every year on the 29th of November, the Prof's birthday celebration at his residence was a highly anticipated and well-attended event. Droves of well-wishers came bearing gifts to celebrate with him. Among the notable figures who extended birthday greetings with gifts were the paramount traditional rulers, the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, and the late Ajagbusi Ekun, the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Oladele Olashore.
Also, in acknowledgment of his significant contributions to community service, Professor Arigbabu was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Ba’segun of Ajiranland, Eti Osan, Lagos.
Later Years and Legacy
After retirement from the academic world, Professor Arigbabu concentrated on his clinical practice at a medical centre (Apex Medical Centre) which he established in Ile-Ife and continued providing excellent patient care to patients at his practice.
Until his passing, he was the overall Head (Olori Ebi) of Arigbabu Family home and abroad. He was also decorated with the title of Balogun Kuku family by the Kuku Dynasty of Ijebuode. Kindness, discipline, and selflessness characterized the late professor who passed in February 2024 aged 88 years.
His friend, Professor Roger Makanjuola poignantly captured his essence saying, "His personal qualities stand out even more - his kindness and care for others".
His towering legacy was built on clinical excellence, mentorship, medical education, and community upliftment.
