Professor Ibadin was a joy to witness! Met once at the Presidential Health Reform Committee retreat in November 2022 and observed him during post meetings. An intelligent man with a commitment to the improvement of the health sector in Nigeria. Thank you for your service sir!

I pray you rest in peace and your loved ones find comfort in the experiences and memories shared.

There are no words to describe the pain in my heart since the news of your passing broke. It still feels surreal that I won’t hear or see you. This past one year - working with you more closely on my proposal- has taught me so much. Death took away a beloved father, teacher, mentor and an erudite scholar from us. I will miss you forever sir. May Jehovah comfort your family and friends in this trying times. Keep resting sir

Ekienabor Osagie

Deputy Chief Resident,
Paediatrics

He taught, he corrected, he encouraged, with lifting words, and with constructive words…
A teacher of teachers,
A professor of professors,
A mentor to many, a teacher to all.
Farewell prof, May your lights never dim.

This came to me as a rude shock and I'm still in denial. May the good Lord grant you eternal rest and may his perpetual light continue to shine upon you. You were exceptional and will definitely be missed. Rest on!

It's still like a dream that you are truly gone. Memories of all your encouragement in the course of my medical carrier keep reechoing. You took me as your own even when you didn't know me from Adam. When I badly needed a job, you gave me one on a platter of Gold. You brought me into the residency program of UBTH and supported me all true financially or otherwise. You were a detribalised Nigerian, my teacher, my mentor, my boss, you were a great support. What a life we live in. You were a principled leader, with your doors opened to all who wanted to see you as CMD UBTH, not minding their status. You put food on the table of many including me. You gave your life to the service of many including children. Sir, I will miss you. Your office I always met you is now empty. It difficult for me to believe it's all over. We love you but God loves you more. Adieu Prof Michael Okoegule Ibadin.

You were more than a Great teacher, you were a father to many Paediatricians of which I am one. We will miss you sir, as your departure to higher glory has left a vacuum. Rest in the bosom of our Lord. 

You will forever remembered prof. Thank you for your tutelage.

Prof' s death is a huge loss to the medical profession and Nigeria at large. You really made a great impact in our training to becoming a specialist. Words can't explain the vacuum left by your demise. I can only pray that that u have a peaceful rest at the Bossom of God. Adieu Prof, Father, teacher and mentor.

It was a very big loss to the paediatrics in Nigeria
Prof was an incredible teacher with a very unique ways or methods of teaching. Even as an examiner he was a lovable personality You will be sorely missed
May the good Lord comfort the family and the colleagues that he has left behind

Losing a colleague in the medical field is always a heart wrenching experience. Prof Ibadin dedicated his life to caring for others and helping them heal expecially children that can't speak for themselves. It's never easy to say goodbye to someone who has made such a significant impact on the lives of those around him.

He was and still is one of the most influential Paediatrics trainers in Nigeria, without a doubt. His students, who admired him and spoke of him with so much deference, spanned across different parts of the country. His lecture slides are treated like a bible by Residents preparing for exams. Paediatrics training in Nigeria will continue but it won't be the same without the esteemed Prof. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

ADIEU PROF., An erudite scholar, a passionate teacher and trainer. He will fondly be remembered for all his selfless contributions in the area of Mentoring and Teaching Resident Doctors especially during update courses in Paediatrics. He was always ready and willing to impart knowledge and guide candidates for the part 11 examinations.      He would forever be remembered by the Paediatric family, especially by the National College. May his gentle soul rest in the Lord's bossom. Amen.

A perfect gentleman and a great teacher. You are surely missed. Rest in peace.

It is with great sadness that i write this tribute to the Late Prof Micheal Okoeguale Ibadin

It was just on Friday the 17th of March 2023 at about 8pm, i was discussing with someone who works in a Ministry at Abuja, she said, she started working in 2014 and that the normal one year of no payment upon resumption of duty, she was yet to be paid. In shock I told her that as of 2011 when i resumed work in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital that it was 3months before you got your salary. But that when we went for a handshake with our Chief Medical Director, Prof M.O Ibadin, he promised to ensure we got paid within one month of our resumption of duty at UBTH and he kept to his promise. I then remarked that I hadn’t greeted him for some time now, I didn’t know that at the time he was about to embark on this journey of passage and that i wouldn't be able to greet him again...


So it was with great shock that the first news I got as soon as I woke up on the morning of Sunday the 19th of March, a series of messages from various angles, that our Great Owaen had passed on the previous day.

Thank you for the transparent way you employed people like me who didn’t have any high powered connections to get a job into the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. 

Matter of fact, in his administration of the recruitment exercise, Prof Ibadin  gave those who passed the entrance exam and passed preference over those who came in with lofty connections. Professor Ibadin was an unusual administrator, a stickler for excellence. He had this style of ‘Management by Waka About’ that he practised. So that often when coming to work he would come down by the back gate and patrol through various departments till he got to his office.

I often met him during those walks during ward rounds while working at the NHIS Unit and I’d wait, greet him and continue on my ward rounds. Once in October 2013, I walked past him by the ARD Office and greeted, and he said, "you read Economics, right?"
I replied yes Sir, He said, "I will post you to where your degree will be relevant". By December 2013, he had posted me like he promised.
During that time, I had the opportunity to make a case on the need for an NHIS Complex at the Hospital, he listened and eventually initiated processes in that direction. All the while i worked in NHIS Servicom, there was no letter we wrote that he didn’t approve. Once you had proved yourself in your work and could give good justifications for your request, it was done.


Fondly called 'Owaen', by the E-Brothers and 'Rabbi' by his medical students Prof Ibadin was revered for his high level of intelligence it was said that he could see you and tell what you were thinking.

Owaen was a Legend, an unusual person, very cerebral, and attentive to details. He didn’t talk much but took massive actions in his stride. Once I had an issue and was advised to intimate him on the matter which I did, and he said go and put it in writing. It was a 6-page write up in single line spacing I put up in the brief and gave to him. Within 3 days, I got indirect feedback that the issue had been resolved.

I was pleasantly surprised! As busy as the Office of the CMD was, he took his time to read and act on a matter that a growing child like me brought to his notice! That was how swift he was in responding to issues, especially sensitive matters, and in a mature manner. He didn't discuss further about the matter but took strategic steps to protect me and ensure that i was safe at work.

Eventually Owaen posted me again me to a place where he thought I’d be more useful at the time and which kickstarted me on the path to a more specialized career.

I remain eternally grateful for the role he played in my career journey and life. 

I am grateful for the November 15th's myself and my Dr friend and brother used as opportunities to appreciate him for the role he played in our lives,

I am however pained that I have been deprived of several more of such opportunities…


May his soul rest in peace, may God himself comfort all whom he left behind, protect and preserve his entire family and dry the tears in our hearts and eyes on his account in Jesus Name.


Adieu Professor Micheal Okoeguale Ibadin.

Nkebakwu O.O (Mrs)
Assistant Chief Procurement Officer
UBTH

Thank You, Owanlen!
I believe in saying nice words to people when they are alive and cherishing the good moments when they are gone, sadly this isn’t one of those times but still I’m grateful for this opportunity. I have always admired your strength and physical resilience in the months and years following the end of your tenure as Chief Medical Director, UBTH. To say that I wasn’t saddened by the news of your death is but an understatement. Though I had no long term personal dealings with you but twice I encountered the enigma of your personality and how you used your good offices to redeem me (firstly, my personal dignity during the job interview that saw me gain employment in 2011 and secondly, preserving my mental health when you granted me professional protection in the discharge of my duties as an environmental officer. Your views and judgments on issues of professionalism was second to none, and for that I would forever be grateful. Because if not for you, I really wonder where I would have been today; and because of your impartial decision, I have gained both administrative and environmental experiences that I can never trade for anything. I just want to say, Thank you Owanlen for making me believe that intelligence and excellence can be appreciated in the civil service if we truly set our hearts to it. Rest well, till the resurrection morning when we meet to part no more and may the good Lord be a pillar of strength to the lovely family you have left behind.
Osagioduwa Sege OLOTU
(Assistant Chief Environmental Health Officer, UBTH

Dear Prof Ibadin, may your soul rest in peace in the bosom of our Lord. We thank God for your life and times, your achievements and impact will remain in history. My sincere condolences to your family, may the Lord our God comfort them in this period of grief. My family and I will miss You dearly Sir.

Professor Ibadin was my great teacher and exemplary paediatrician. He made it possible for my first academic publication, and he took me through some tutorials for my postgraduate fellowship part 2 exams, which I passed. He has left a vacuum.

The news of your passing on came as a rude shock to me, especially because you had just requested for exam questions about a month before. You will be missed by all. May God comfort your family and loved ones in Jesus name. Rest in peace Prof.

Dear Sir,
So sad you had to leave @ this time. Your indelible footprint will never be eroded in our memory. You were a helper and hero of the Medical profession. You brought many up through your mentoring and good tutelage. You were more than a father!
Rest on in the bosom of your creator

I met Prof Ibadin about 35yrs ago as a teenager. I was always excited to learn that he was the doctor in the consulting room at Benoni hospital in Benin whenever I visit. His calmness and attentiveness to my complains and worry about drug sensitivity was always soothing. His reassurance that I will be fine, that he would give me what will take care of my worry was always comforting. He was the doctor on duty the night my dad was rushed into emergency with ruptured intestine in the early 90s and he took care of him before the surgeon came around. He was always calm with a gentle smile. I never knew that it will be last I will ever see you on earth on that day we met in traffic at Oghara. You will be greatly missed Prof as you will forever remain in my heart. May perpetual light shine upon you and may your soul rest in peace in the bossom of the Lord.

Adieu, Professor Michael Ibadin!!!

My heart grieved at the news and we mourn the transition of a father, teacher and benefactor, Professor Michael Ibadin - the quintessential paediatrician who fathered GERIATRICS in University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

He didn't know me personally, but Professor Michael Ibadin was a channel through whom God helped me and furthered my career: he facilitated my training in Geriatrics and brought me into hospital administration and healthcare leadership.

Your legacies live on...

Adieu, Sir.
Rest in peace.

Professor Obehi Akoria
Honourable Commissioner for Health, Edo State.

Prof Ibadin was a great teacher and mentor. My first contact with him was about 21 years ago during my part one exams and the experience was positively remarkable. Ever since, I have seen in him a factual and simple giant who served the Faculty till the last day. I pray that may his family both biological and non-biological be given the fortitude to bear his loss. May his soul finds the best from his Creator. Adieu my dear teacher,mentor and exemplary friend. RIP.

My brother, my Oga you were a great man, highly intelligent and a great administrator, a highly professional and exceptional paediatrician ready at all time to save a child I and my son especially you saved will surely missed you . Continue to rest in peace till will meet again. You will forever remain in our hearts

You were a concern person and always want the best to happen for other. May your soul continue to rest till we meet again

To say a word or words about you is/are very difficult. I have tried. But I must say something. You are great man. A rare gem. Calm disposition to all who are kind and wanted the best for your administration. You were a very good boss, turned good friend and finally a kind a loving father with a good listening ear.I remember you for your kind smiles, your teachings about life and sound knowledge about administration. I remember the sparkle in your eyes when you smile,your encouragement to me and my children. When my children heard about your demise,they called and said,Mummy sorry about the loss of your friend. Few of which I have and you were one of the best.May his soul rest in peace,amen. We miss you, but we know you are in a better place of peace and glory,where you shall continue your good works and teachings. You shall be remembered for all the good you have done. Rest on till we meet to part no more. Your memories live on,because you shall live in the hearts of those who love you dearly. Farewell,dear Friend.

Prof. M. Ibadin was a brilliant soul. May his soul rest in peace.

Your Glorious transition to the ethereal was untold, but who are we to question The Almighty for the path He lead you through? Death is one thing in which all men believes, without exception! Everyone is convinced that it will come. It is one of the few facts about which there is no dispute or ignorance. Although everybody from childhood onward reckons with the fact that they must die eventually, the majority always tries to ward off the thought.

You always told me, that “Death is permanent and there’s nothing anyone can do about it”. You were a substance to humanity, you touch lives, and your existence heal a lot of wounds. Time will not permit me to pen down my thought, in all I thank The Almighty for your earthly life well spent. May He guide you through the path of Light and grant you eternal rest till we meet again.

May the gentle soul of Prof Michael Ibadin rest in Perfect Peace Amen.

You will be greatly missed Prof. Continue to rest in God's bossom.

A TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR MICHAEL OKOEGUALE IBADIN [MBBS, FMCPaed, M.Sc, Ph.D, MPA], IMMEDIATE PAST CHIEF MEDICAL DIRECTOR, UBTH BY PROF AFEKHIDE ERNEST OMOTI.

It was with great shock that I heard of the passing unto greater glory of Prof Mike Ibadin as he was so fondly called. Today, I pay tribute to a great man, a perfect gentleman, a role model, a true icon in every sense of the word, a man we call our dear friend, a teacher of teachers, a professor of professors, a paediatric nephrologist per excellence, a beacon of medical education. For many of us, this is an appreciation to a mentor who made a positive and lasting impression in our lives and families, a teacher who took the time to care, inspired our dreams, gave us hope, direction, and new ideas to make us what we are today as well as many others who passed through the University of Benin, the Faculty of Paediatrics of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria where he served as Chief Examiner and many others all over the world. He became the kind of father figure and friend that only comes along once in a lifetime. 

His personal attributes were his large heart, benevolence, open mindedness, generosity, honesty and truthfulness to a fault. These he demonstrated as Head, Department of Paediatrics, Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, UBTH Branch, as the longest serving top management staff of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, and most notably as Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital where he was responsible for the appointment of the majority of staff, ensured regular promotions and saw to the modernisation of the hospital, greatly improving patient care and sponsoring so many staff to training programs both locally and abroad. It was as Chief Medical Director he touched the lives of so many persons who were clients to the hospital, either as patients or as benefactors in various ways. His unique style of administration was developed as Head, Department of Paediatrics; Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee; Chairman Medical Advisory Committee and Chief Medical Director. He was an astute administrator who operated an open door policy and had a listening ear to everyone, no matter their status. He cared so much for the welfare of staff and patients. I fondly remember when I was chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association and wanted to approach the governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to exempt the call duty allowance of doctors and shift duty allowance of other staff from being taxed, Prof Ibadin as Chief Medical Director offered to go with me and actually lead the successful negotiation with the Governor which lead to the exemption of call and shift duty allowances of staff of UBTH from taxation. He also constructed and fully equipped a lounge for consultants when I requested him to do so. 

My first contact with him was during my junior rotation in paediatrics around 1988/89 when he was a registrar. It was refreshing to see a teacher who taught with passion only out of pure love for teaching. This he continued to do throughout his life, even as Chief Medical Director. He had a strong belief in our abilities even when we doubted ourselves. He gave his heart, mind and soul to nurture in us the things that he saw as vital to our education, critical to our success, and important for our future.

I am unable to put down the full impact he had on our lives, but seeing the overwhelming response to his unexpected passing, I know that he touched so many lives in a special way. He moulded accomplished men and women, he moulded futures, doctors, specialists, professors, and destinies. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for all the guidance and encouragement. Thank you for giving us a firm foundation. Thank you for all your efforts to make Child Health easier to comprehend. Thank you for all the memories, and thank you for leaving us better than you met us.

Mike was blessed with a wonderful family. A wife who is an amazing and truly virtuous woman and wonderful children who are now accomplished individuals in their own right. Mike lived an accomplished life. He will be greatly missed by all of us in the medical and health profession and by his patients. He will also be greatly missed by clients of the hospital. He will always live in our hearts till we meet to part no more. As they say, to live in the hearts of men is not to die. With this in mind, we can say “O death where is thy sting”. To his wife, children and to all members of his family we say the Good Lord is in control. He will be a Father to the Fatherless and a Husband to the Widow. To all his friends and well-wishers we say that he touched our lives in a very special way and we are better people because of him.
Lord, we give you thanks for the life of Prof Mike Ibadin, a teacher who gave of himself to his students, and administrator and clinician who gave his all to provide care for patients. Comfort his family and be very close to them in their loss. Bless the students whom he taught, and help them to have pride in all that they learned from him. We place him into Your loving hands and ask You to receive him into Your heavenly Kingdom where he will be happy forever and ever. Amen.

Prof Afekhide E. Omoti
Chairman, National Eye Health Committee, FMOH, Abuja.
Past Chairman, Edo NMA,
Past DCMAC, UBTH.

May Your Soul Rest in Peace of Thy Lord. We miss You dearly.