BIOGRAPHY & PROFILE of Prof G.C. Onyemelukwe MON Patron and Former National President, Diabetes Association of Nigeria

 

BRIEF HISTORICAL PROFILE OF PROF G C ONYEMELUKWE; A GREAT TEACHER, DOCTOR AND PHILANTHROPIST

Compiled By:

MALLAM   SANI SALIHU HASSAN, FNSN, RD, MIDN,MCAN

Former Secretary General, Diabetes Association of Nigeria, (1992 to 1998) ,Chairman, Formal Education Committee, Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) and Fellow of Nitration Society of Nigeria (FNSN)

December, 2020

BRIEF HISTORICAL PROFILE OF PROF G C ONYEMELUKWE; A GREAT TEACHER, DOCTOR AND PHILANTHROPIST

Prof Geoffrey C Onyemelukwe has immensely contributed to the development of hundreds of thousands of people in different spheres of life as a distinguished Medical Practitioner, great teacher and humble philanthropist in his chosen place of domicile, his state of origin, his dear nation and the globe

This part of his biography focuses more on his selfless service to the needy and helpless patients through one of his beloved association, the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) from 1983 to date. Being a pioneer member, a onetime National President and currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the association, the history of the association will be grossly deficient without mentioning his immense contribution to its conception, delivery, childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Brief highlights of some of his remarkable contributions to numerous groups of people and societies are listed below;

1. Establishment of chapter of DAN in 19 states of the Federation.

As the then president of DAN from 1992-1998, Prof G.C Onyemelukwe facilitated the rapid spread of DAN from the 3 chapter he took over to 22 at the end of his term. This remarkable achievement followed his interest, commitment and possion towards developing a Diabetes Free Nigeria. This innovation developed a clear road-map for partnership with governments at Federal and State level having upgraded the Association from   a “Lagos Group” to a “National Broad based Association”. Few of the state chapters established during the period under review includes Kano, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Bauchi, Borno, Plateau, Imo, Anambra, Osun, Ondo, Kwara, Adamawa, among several others.

2. Development of National Guideline for Standardized Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Nigeria

Available   records indicates that DAN was the first non-governmental, non-profit making organization that successfully initiated the development of a national Guideline for Standard Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Nigeria. The initiator in person of Prof G.C Onyelukwe with the support of the National Task Force on Non-Communicable Disease of Federal Ministry of Health came up with an excellent document which was finally revised, printed and distributed nationwide by Dr. Sunny Chinenye JP in 2011 as the then president of DAN. The document is being utilized and widely applied by numerous medical and health professional in Nigeria and neighboring countries. The DAN committee chaired by Prof. J.M Oli, a prominent endocrinologist and member of Board of Trust of Diabetes Association of Nigeria recorded tremendous success in this noble assignment dually appreciated by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Federal Ministry of Health and Nigerian Medical Association among several organizations and institutions across the globe.

3. Development National Guidelines for Fasting during Ramadan and Lente Period

Prof G.J Onyemelukwe, with his broad-based knowledge and public health concern initiated the development of Guidelines for Diabetic patients during the Islamic Ramadan and Christian Lente Fasting period. The Guideline being the first of its type received a wide attention of the patients, their relations and the general public on this noble spiritual event given hope to millions of patients to practice their religious obligations. The Guidelines were presented and endorsed by group of Diabetes experts and practitioners for application. Zonal variations, religion consideration and health parameters of different population groups across the entire nation were considered in the development of the sample recipe guides for various population groups to emulate and scale up for better health outcomes despite an interesting ans safe religious worship. Numerous regious organizations extended their appreciation for this noble innovation by a God fearing scientist in person of Prof G C Onyemelukwe,, MFR

4. Development of the first national Diabetes Educators Programme and Training Guide for Nigeria

Recognizing the immense benefit of Diabetes education to any successful intervention targeted at prevention and control of Diabetes Mellitus, Prof G.C Onyemelukwe having travelled wide and concern with the rapid spread of Diabetes Mellitus in Nigeria, constituted a committee under his leadership to develop strategies and guidelines for diabetes education in Nigeria. The committee with the support of IDF African region, facilitated the training of Six Diabetes Educators from Nigeria at Cameroon os a step towards developing a cream of Diabetes Educators needed to serve as Trainers of Diabetes Educators for the nation.

The guideline which was adopted from IDF Diabetes Educators Training Manual was found to be useful with simple, achievable and realistic guidelines to ease   compliance and application by the intended users. The guidelines were presented and endorsed by the group of experts including Endocrinologist, Nurses, Dietitians and religious leaders. Hereto to this guidelines, several patients were either denied their intention to fast or misguided with serious consequences.

5. Development of Nutritional Guidelines for Diabetes Management and Control in Nigeria

Concerned  about the absence of specific document to provide the much needed guidelines for Nutritional management and control of Diabetes  Mellitus in Nigeria again, Prof G.C  Onyemelukwe constituted a group of Nutritionists, Dietitians and health professionals to develop the proposed guidelines for use by service providers, patients and the general public. As always, the then president DAN, provided funds and other needed resources to a]the  team with the mandate of  not only to review literature in Dietary management of Diabetes Mellitus but practically develop and produce recipes using locally available food items for different categories of Diabetics across the entire nation. The recipes so developed were therefore subjected to laboratory assessment and human volunteers before finalization and dissemination to the general public across the entire nation.

6. Upgrading and Sustenance of DANs publicity magazine tagged, Diabetes Link and Care Magazine (DLCM)

 Having the zeal and commitment to move DAN forward in all aspects, Prof G.C Onyemelukwe proceeded to reactivate the printing and distribution of the only DAN publicity materials that went into coma prior to his assumption of duty as DAN president in 1992. He facilitated the production of the second edition of the magazine in 1995 and continued up to 1998 when he successfully and happily completed his term in office as DAN President in1998 1998 .  This noble innovation of his was rarely sustained by subsequent DAN Exco but reawaking at higher level with the production and launching of the first DAN peer-reviewed Journal in Diabetes Mellitus in 2012 via Archives of Diabetology and Cardiovascular Medicine, by the then distinguished DAN president in person of Prof Sunny Chnenye JB. This development received a befitting reception and appreciation from the Federal Ministry of Health, IDF and his predecessors including Prof G.C Onyemelukwe and several others.

7. Establishment of National Diabetes Centre in Nigeria.

 Having worked tirelessly to establish structures for management and control of Diabetes Mellitus and spreading the arms of the association to many states of the nation as well as promoted  a close working relationship between DAN and Federal Ministry of Health, Prof G.C Onyemelukwe proceeded to sensitize the nation over the need for having a formidable structure for coordination of Diabetes care and control for the entire nation which he target as the  “National Diabetes Center, Abuja”. This noble idea of his had an overwhelming reception by government at all levels, IDF, professional groups, organization and the general public. This strong advocate of the NDC again constituted a high powered committee under the leadership of the then Chairman of Board of Trustees, Alh. Aminu Tijjani, Turakin Zazzau. The committee proceeded to conduct High level Advocacy the then Federal Government for funding of the project. Though the project was yet to see the light of the day, Prof. G.C Onyemelukwe continued to advocate for its actualization by subsequent governments since 1998. His dreams remains that a Diabetes Centre if established as seen in Japan and many other developed and developing countries will contribute immensely in not only upgrading the status of Nigeria in the committee of nations but serve as a referral center for Diabetes care for the west African sub region and a  model worthy of immolation by all.

8. Nationwide Commemoration of World Diabetes Day in Nigeria.

History will remain indelible having a distinguished Professor of Medicine with an exceptional interest and commitment to fighting Diabetes mellitus at all times saw the personality of  Prof G.C Onyemelekwu who succeeded in advocating, sensitizing and involving the federal government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of health not only to support DAN but actively participated in commemorating the annual world Diabetes Day (WDD) from June 1992 to date. His  innovation and untiring efforts and persistent advocacy witnessed the then Hon. Minister of Health and all directors of the Federal         Ministry of Health to physically join and lead the 1^st National Diabetes Walk  having appreciated the commitment and effective leadership of the DAN presidents whose noble steps were sustained by subsequent EXCO extending to state governors and commissioners of health addressing press-conference and diabetes walk across the entire nation during the Annual WDD events. Indeed this innovation forther stimulated a close linkage and partnership between DAN and governments at federal,  states and Local Government levels, a situation necessary to achieve the desire need for sustainable diabetes care, management and control.

8. Planning and implementation of the First National Summit on Diabetes Mellitus in Nigeria

Indeed, the outcome of the first national summit on Diabetes in Nigeria did not only publicize DAN but formed a clear road map for addressing Diabetes Mellitus as one of the major public health disease retarding the progress of all other health interventions in the nation. The innovation and commitment  to hold the submit by the then DAN president, Prof G.C Onyemelukwe succeeded in bringing for the first time the largest crowd of stakeholders on Diabetes in Nigeria under the chairmanship of the then First lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Late Mrs. Stella Obasanjo. The summit with over 500 participants had the attendance of former and the then sectary to the government of the federation in persons of Late Alh Aliyu Muhammed, Wazirin Jamaa and Late Alhaji Gidado Idris respectively  so also a cream of Diplomats, Ministers and state commissioners of Health from many states of the Federation. With a total of 28 states chapters of Submit which rounded up with an Annual General Meeting gave a golden opportunity for the development of unified guideline for running of state chapters and linkages with governments and other stakeholders and partners desired to achieve the immediate and long term objectives of DAN in preventing the spread of Diabetes Me llitus, assisting the patients and conduction research for better management and control..

In addition, the summit opened way for effective partnership and linkages between Government officials, service providers, DAN, drug manufacturers and the patients alike,  which prompted the  development of a strong Communique, Action Plan and Road Map for improved  Diabetes care, management and control.    

9. Representation of DAN at the National Expert Committee on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCNCD)

Following the strong linkage established between DAN and the Federal Ministry of Health by the then DAN president, Prof. G.C Onyemekwe, DAN was made to be fully represented at both the main committee and all the four sub-committees of NCNCD. The presence of active members of DAN immensely attracted the attention of the Federal Government and other partners in the committee to focus attention and provided more resources towards the  improvement of  Diabetes care, support and control across the entire nation. For the first time, the then DAN president, Prof GC Onyemelukwe,  who doubled as  the Core-Chairman of NCNCD, facilitated the establishment of a Desk Office on control of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Federal Ministry of Health with Dr. (Mrs.) Abebe as the officer in charge. The unit in close partnership with DAN and NCNCD developed strategic and operational plan for control of NCD in Nigeria, Diabetes care and control at the fore front.

9. Linkaging of DAN with International Organization and Endorsement of several Countries for registered with IDF

Realizing that DAN cannot exist in isolation, Prof. G.C Onyewuelukue, as a speedy actor, quickly mounted structures to facilitate the registration of DAN with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), African Region of IDF and a number of organization and institutions across the globe. Being an active member of IDF globally and a strong member of African Region of IDF, DAN was mandated with the powers to screen and endorse the membership of several countries from 1992-1998. Among the countries endorsed by DAN includes Senegal, Congo, Brazzaville, Ivory Coast among several others. Indeed the strong linkage and partnerships created by Prof. G.C Onyemelukwe gave DAN opportunity to be represented at both global and regional committees including the IDF scientific study group among several others.

• Supply of Insulin and Diabetes Drugs in Nigeria

As part of the major objectives of formation of DAN in Nigeria was to promote and sustain the availability of insulin, Drugs and other consumables at affordable cost for all Nigerian. However, the escalating cost of Insulin from about two naira in 1982 to twelve naira in 1992 prompted Prof. G.C Onyemekwe to urgently initiate a number of intervention majors including alerting the Federal Ministry of Health for urgent attention, linkages with Insulin of Drugs manufacturing organization and corporate bodies and establishment of Diabetes Drug Revolving Shops in some Hospitals managed by State Chapters of DAN. Other interventions to address the excalation of Diabetes Drugs facilitated by Prof GC Onyemelukwe was alerting the Nigeria Customs Services to sop classifying Insulin as “glass wares” which attracted very high custom duty resulting to hgh cost of Insulin in Nigeria. All the interventions embarked by the then DAN President yielded positive results with first pilot Diabetes Drug Revolving scheme becoming a show case with tremendous outcome among several other issues.

Indeed, Prof G.C Onyemekwes good relationship with the Federal Government and the numerous drug companies across the globe immensely contributed to arresting the rapidly escalation of the prices of Insulin and Drugs during the tenure of his leadership and thereafter. His persistent struggle to get the federal government to consider and include Diabetes Mellitus as one of the chronic illnesses to be treated free or subsidized in all government hospitals for over 30 years still remains a “keep in view”  before the numerous Governments of Nigeria. His broad knowledge and laudable integrity resulted to close contact and immense support from major Insulin and drug Manufacturers across the globe, Prominent among the key companies were Novo Nordisk, Eli-Lilly, Zoomota Nig. Ltd. among several others. Their support to DAN in the area of free supply of insulin, subsidy in cost of their products, sponsorship to national and international conferences/congress remains indelible in the history of DAN and the great innovator, Prof GC Onyemlukwe,  who might have opted for personal benefits from the manufacturers as done by many of his contemporaries at the expence of his dear brothers and sisters, struggling to survival against the devastating effects of poverty, diabetes and deprivation

 

• Restricting of DAN to include prominent Traditional Rulers to serve as the Grand Patrons and Chairmen of Board of Trustees of the association.

Indeed, this great initiative of Prof. G.C Onyemekwe dated back 1989, saw the apparentment of the late Emir of Zazzau Alh Shehu Idris as the Grand Patron of Kaduna State Chapter of DAN and later the Emir of Suleja as the Chairman of Board of Trustees of DAN nationally. This innovation stimulated a lot of interest and commitment of the Traditional Rulers on one hand and governments as well as institutions and corporate bodies on the other hand towards provision of support to DAN and Diabetc patients across the entire nation. Other prominent traditional leaders from the east and western states joined the struggle to move DAN forward by accepting to serve as Grand Patrons of their respective state chapters of DAN. Indeed, community involvement and participation being initiated by this Gentle achiever, mentor and leader of DAN was acknowledged by IDF and humbly replicated in several countries not only in Diabetes care and Control, but many other human development endeavors.

 

• Participation in IDF and numerous International Conferences and Seminars by DAN officials and Professionals members.

Recognizing the immense benefits of building capacity of service providers to quality diabetes care, Prof. G.C Onyemekwe ensured the payment of  Annual Dues of IDF and linkages with relevant partners to enable DAN attend all conference and Annual Congress of IDF from 1993 to 1998 and thereafter. The participation of DAN in all IDF activities further gave Nigeria the status it deserved as a leader and a focus for support by numerous organizations and corporate bodies across the globe. A large number of endocrinologist, nurses, nutritionists, dieticians from Nigeria benefited from these noble innovations which was sustained by subsequent leadership of DAN. It may not sound as an understatement to indicate that in several years payment of IDF dues were mostly facilitated by Prof G C Onyemelukwe through his close associates including the drugs and Insulin manufactures that he brought to DAN, his friends and relations and in most cases from his pocket. His believe that the needs of the people and the nation supersedes those on individual at all times

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE

As a noble philanthropist and committed Christian, Prof. G.C Onyemekwe<s humanitarian gesture went for ahead training of diabetes and health professionals, assisting diabetic patients and their relations to consider sponsoring needy children to undergo various educational and skills acquisition programme in many state across the nation. His particular interest and support to numerous groups and individuals in Zaria and surrounding communities remain an unbreakable record yet to be broken by any person. His numerous heart toughing intervention to the needy and destitute are numerous to mansion, however, few are listed to serve as a little portrait of this noble unbiased philanthropist of several generations. To sponsor the intended projects,

1. Sponsorship of two Almajiri students in Zaria

With his unbiased philanthropic mind, concept and actions, Prof. G.C Onyemekwe in the year 2005 approached a none governmental people oriented organization in Zaria by name Zaria, known as  Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) for possible partnership of salvage hundreds of thousands out of formal school children roaming around Zaria towards assisting them to access formal education while continuing their Islamic studies at the traditional “Almajiri Schools”. The idea was very much welcome and appreciated by ZEDA which followed the immediate formation of a committee to facilitate the implementation of the proposed project which has five major components.

The two beneficiaries of the noble Almajiri education project namely: Inusa Umar. and Muhammed Sani. It is interesting to note that this pilot project being first of its type in Zaria went successfully with the sponsor sustaining the sponsorship to the present state where both beneficiaries have completed primary and secondary education with good result. The first beneficiary being a cripple currently undergoing a National Diploma Programme on Architecture at the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria whiles the second awaiting admission to Federal College of Education, Zaria. Indeed, this innovation clearly demonstrated the extent of love, care and concern being demonstrated by the sponsor who never care to ask of their state of origin, parents. religion or ethnicity. Their recent visit to his house during the year 2020 Christmas further strengthen the relationship and support with the beneficiaries praying and appreciating. His life modeling intervention.   They pledgedd to extend similar gesture to others. On the side of the supporting party, ZEDA continued to be proud of the innovator and pledged to share the success of the initiative for others to emulate as a path to sustainable human development of our dear society and nation.

A sum of three hundred and fifty thousand naira (N350,000.00) was committed and paid to ZEDA account for the project by the noble sponsor in person of Prof G C Onyyemelukwe for sponsorship of four major interventions namely:

1. The sponsorship of two pilot Almajiri pupils,
2. procurement of 200 ITNs,

• construction of concrete well,

1. Initiated And provided Seed Money for Community Revolving Loan scheme/ grant to 30 needy women for income generation activities towards poverty alleviation and self-reliance.
2. Sponsorship of two Almajiri students in Zaria

With his unbiased philanthropic mind, concept and actions, Prof. G.C Onyemekwe in the year 2005 approached a none governmental people oriented organization in Zaria by name Zaria, known as  Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) for possible partnership of salvage hundreds of thousands out of formal school children roaming around Zaria towards assisting them to access formal education while continuing their Islamic studies at the traditional “Almajiri Schools”. The idea was very much welcome and appreciated by ZEDA which followed the immediate formation of a committee to facilitate the implementation of the proposed project which has five major components.

The two beneficiaries of the noble Almajiri education project namely: Inusa Umar. and Muhammed Sani. It is interesting to note that this pilot project being first of its type in Zaria went successfully with the sponsor sustaining the sponsorship to the present state where both beneficiaries have completed primary and secondary education with good result. The first beneficiary being a cripple currently undergoing a National Diploma Programme on Architecture at the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria whiles the second awaiting admission to Federal College of Education, Zaria. Indeed, this innovation clearly demonstrated the extent of love, care and concern being demonstrated by the sponsor who never care to ask of their state of origin, parents. religion or ethnicity. Their recent visit to his house during the year 2020 Christmas further strengthen the relationship and support with the beneficiaries praying and appreciating. His life modeling intervention.   They pledgedd to extend similar gesture to others. On the side of the supporting party, ZEDA continued to be proud of the innovator and pledged to share the success of the initiative for others to emulate as a path to sustainable human development of our dear society and nation.

 

2. Initiation and funding of numerous Community Empowerment and Development programmes in Zaria and surrounding LGAs

Contact with people around this noble personality will only continue increase the volume of pages on his continued service to humanity. The little I am presenting here are some of the few that I personally know or handled or directly managed on his behalf, as one of his close associates in the last 35 years in Zaria. Others have more to say than me as I not may be able to remember more than others as the situation may be. For me, the little I can remember, are some few community interventions that he initiated and funded in Zaria and surrounding communities. These includes the initiation and sponsorship of two children from the tradition ‘Almajiri School’ to primary, secondary and tertiary education, procurement of Electric Poles to two rural communities who refused allowing their children to be immunized against Poliometis due to the failure of the LGA to provide them with Electricity in Giwa LGA, Kaduna State, Furnishing of a classroom at Tsaunin Meyo Community of Giwa LGA, Construction of Concrete Well at Yaskwake and Dala villages in Zaria LGA, cash donation to needy women to start income generation trades for self-reliance at Kufena village, Zaria LGA, procurement and distributor of our 200 Insecticide, Treated Mosquito Nets (ITN) to three communities in Zaria and Igabi LGAs among several others.

The great philanthropist succeeded in most of his community development projects by participating with prominent community leaders and associations such as Zaria Education Development Association (ZEDA) where he serves as a Patron, Zazzau Reorientation Association (ZAROA) and a number of faith-based organizations in Zaria and its environs. Indeed, the success of his noble initiations and support programmes in his loving community, Zaria led to his recognition and respect by all and sundry particularly the traditional and religious leaders in his over 50 years of productive and highly fruitful stay in Zaria. Highlights of some of the interventions projects earlier are presented below for the purpose of  referencing and possible emulation by the present and future generations.

2. Motivation of indigenes to undergo Medical Education in Zazzau Emirate and its environ.

As a Professor Emirates, prominent Endocrinology and great scholar, Prof. G.C Onyewekwe extended his gesture to the entire society in getting families to encourage their kids toward undergoing medical education, being concerned about the few number of Medical Doctors from his community of focus, Zaria. He used every opportunity to sensitize and mobilize both parents and students to choose MBBS as their course of study while  disagreeing the then widespread misconception that the MBBS course was extremely difficult or impossible to go by. He commenced person contact with prominent members of the community the result of which saw a number of young doctors graduating from the Ahmadu Bello University and alike.

Among the numerous achievements recorded on this noble innovation by this great mentor was the acceptance of the immediate passed Emir of Zazzau, Alh. Shehu Idris to support and sponsor two members of this family to study Medicine at the Ambrose Ali University, under the mentorship of Prof. G.C Onyemekwe. The two pilot students consisting of  a biological son of the Emier and his grandson to the Emir, successfully graduated in 2015 as medical doctors, courtesy of Prof. G.C Onyemekwe innovation, love and mentorship. There are only few apart from numerous who had access to national and international scholarship awards at different universities across the globe.

Compiled by

Mallam Sani Shassan Zaria,0803-4520-453

 

A TESTIMONY ON PROFESSOR G. C. ONYEMELUKWE MON by Professor Adamu Girei Bakari.

I am honored to write a testimony on this Physician, immunologist, teacher of teachers of international repute, an efficient manager of human and material resources, my professional father and mentor, Professor G. C. Onyemelukwe, whom I had to honor of meeting in 1987, when I was a clinical student at Ahmadu Bello University. While at the Medical school “Onyems “(as he was fondly called by us), was an excellent teacher both at the classroom and at the bedside. He was through, and a strict disciplinarian no one dares to come for his ward teachings or ward rounds without thoroughly clerking his patient and reading around the case. The hard-working students were on the other hand encouraged by the professor and even received cash prizes for outstanding performance from him.

 As fate will have it, I was admitted into the residency training program at the Department of Medicine, ABUTH in April 1991 where I had the privilege of knowing Professor Onyemelukwe more closely. He has indeed impacted more in my professional life than any other person in the department or elsewhere. Prof. was compassionate and offered all the mentorship, guidance and counselling that I needed to succeed. He is indeed my professional father figure, and that is true for most of us then at the Department of Medicine. It is indeed difficult if not impossible to mention all the things that Prof. has done to ensure my professional growth. He guided me to take-up Endocrinology as a carrier and sought for sponsorships for me to attend conferences in Cameroon and Germany in addition to offering me a comfortable office space and laboratory in the then immunology unit in addition to providing several consumables required for my dissertation. He has thought me the art of academic writing early in my career for which I remain eternally grateful to him.

Prof. Onyemelukwe supported my bid to Head the Department of Medicine and the later the Dean of the then Faculty of Medicine and was always available to offer invaluable advice and support whenever the need arose.

Professor Adamu Girei Bakari.
Provost, College of Medical Sciences,
Modibbo Adama University, Yola.

 

Life and Times of Professor GC Onyemelukwe- My experience – by Professor Dimie Ogoina 

I first encountered Professor GC Onyemelukwe in medical school as a 400-level medical student. Then, he was the head of Internal Medicine Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.  To all medical students and lecturers, he was a strict disciplinarian who enforced all academic regulations and insisted on strict compliance with rules and codes of conduct. As a result, he was feared by many. His ward rounds were exceptionally long, loaded with probing questions and assignments, but also rich in knowledge and practical skills. Many students dreaded his presence because of the fear of being exposed as ignorant, fear of assignments and fear of meeting up with his standards.

As the Editor-in Chief of ABU Medical student journal (ABUMED) during my final year in medical school, I had approached Professor Onyemelukwe to summarize his inaugural lecture-‘Games Played by Nigerians and Infections-Immune System as Godfathers’- as a paper for publication in our journal. After listening to me, he looked at me straight in the face and said, ‘Go and summarise it’! At first, I thought he was joking.  I had observed that the assignment might be above my capacity. But he insisted and said –you can do it!

I had no choice but to accept this challenge. A few weeks later, after reading his inaugural lecture and seeking further clarity on immunology via textbooks, I was able to produce a draft article.  When I presented what I had done to him, he was pleased. However, in his characteristic manner, he mentioned innovative ideas, expanded some ideas I had presented and outlined additional topics I needed to explore through reading to enrich the paper. Eventually, I concluded this work leading to my second scientific publication as a medical student titled- ‘Re-Games played by Nigerians and Infections- Immune System as Godfathers’.

After this experience, it took another 3years, after housemanship and NYSC, before I had another close encounter with Prof. Onyemelukwe. This time I was a resident in the department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) and he was the consultant in charge of my ward.  His ward rounds were very thorough; he asked all sorts of questions and gave a lot of assignments. I particularly appreciated his deep insights in analysing patient’s history and diagnosis, and his ability to broaden the horizon of a patient’s problem and clinical decision.  

After completing my junior residency, I approached Prof Onyemelukwe to inform him about my decision to specialise in immunology and infectious diseases.  I had taken this decision as a 400-level medical student and my clinical experience as junior resident in internal medicine further strengthened my desire to specialise in this field.  When I told him of my decision, he again looked at me straight in the face and said- Are you sure- are you sure you can do it? Your training must be thorough!

Days later, I was officially accepted as a resident training in immunology and infectious diseases under the supervision of Professor GC Onyemelukwe.  Some lecturers and colleagues were worried over my decision because they felt it might be difficult for me to keep up with his standards. However, my decision was resolute; I wanted to specialise in immunology and infectious diseases, and if Professor Onyemelukwe was one of the best and most renowned experts in this field in Nigeria, then I had to work under him no matter what it takes.

During our first meeting to discuss the plan for my training he again looked at me and said- go and write up a plan! At this time, a formal curriculum for immunology and infectious diseases had not been approved by both Colleges in Nigeria.  As a green horn, I again had to search and read a lot of materials to produce some topics.  It was when I presented these topics to him that I knew that he gave me a test. I discovered that he had already been asked to prepare a curriculum by the WACP for the field and he had a draft copy of this curriculum.  Going through the curriculum and some of my suggested topics, he painted the picture of how my training will go- I would have to travel to various locations within and outside Nigeria to obtain practical skills, experience, and knowledge on various aspects of infectious diseases and immunology.  I was instructed to draft letters to various laboratories and hospitals within and outside Nigeria to get approval for clinical/laboratory attachments.  Eventually, through his influence, I was able to obtain admission for laboratory attachments various hospitals and laboratories, including in WHO Poliomylelitis Laboratory in University College Hospital, Ibadan for training in Virology and Department of Parasitlogy and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka for training in Parasitilogy. 

As a resident doctor in training, Professor Onyemelukwe recognised my interest in the immunology and co-opted me to teach immunology to 400 level medical students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Tutoring medical students enriched my knowledge and deepened my interest in immunology.

Under Professor Onyemelukwe, my eyes were opened to research, scientific writing, and clinical presentation. On a weekly basis, he was rolling out ideas for research and giving me several assignments.  It was as if the assignments never ended; I was hardly through with one assignment before I was given another.  I now realise that all these assignments were his way of training me and expanding my knowledge base.

Today, I am both proud and grateful for the opportunity I got to be mentored by Professor GC Onyemelukwe. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to undertake two fellowships (FWACP and FMCP) and two research projects in infectious diseases and immunology under his supervision. I am grateful for the opportunities he gave me to represent him in various high-level meetings, including the Federal Ministry of Health Stakeholders Meeting on Epidemic Prone Infectious Diseases in 2008, where I delivered his lecture on ‘Guidance on public health management of cerebrospinal meningitis in Nigeria’. I am also grateful for the opportunity to publish several scientific articles under his direction.

Looking back, I remember moments when some of my colleagues and teachers queried that I might not complete my training under Professor GC Onyemelukwe because of his extremely high standards and unending assignments. However, today I realise that the ‘style’ of Professor Onyemelukwe’s mentorship was meant to prepare his mentee and students for the challenges of the future.  I now realise that under the mentorship of Professor GC Onyemelukwe, I did not only learn research and clinical skills, but life and leadership skills. Professor Onyemelukwe exposed me to thoroughness, multi-tasking, challenging assumptions and striving for excellence. Through him I learnt the benefits of accepting challenges, avoiding excuses, hard work, and perseverance. Without doubt, these skills have contributed immensely to many of my personal and professional achievements in life including been listed as one of Nature’s top 10 scientists in 2022 and one of Time’s 100 most influential persons in 2023.

 I pay tribute to my mentor, Professor GC Onyemelukwe, for his enormous contributions to science, medicine, and medical education in Nigeria, and for his sacrifice and dedication in grooming hundreds of physicians and scientists, many of whom have now emerged as outstanding researchers and leaders in their chosen field.

Professor Dimie Ogoina (MBBS, FWACP, FMCP-Infectious Disease, FACP, FIDSA)
Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Niger Delta University
Consultant Physician /Chief Medical Director, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital
Bayelsa state