President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian-born, Dr Bolu Ogunyemi, a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, on his election as President-Elect of the Canadian Medical Association.
In a press release dated December 8, 2024, but released on Monday, Tinubu described Ogunyemi’s emergence as a “testament to visionary leadership, dedication to excellence, and compassionate commitment to enhancing the welfare of others.”
The release was signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled, “President Tinubu Commends Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi on Emergence as President-Elect of the Canadian Medical Association.”
The President celebrated this historic milestone, noting Ogunyemi’s remarkable contributions as a dermatologist based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and his role as a visiting specialist in Labrador City since 2018.
Highlighting Ogunyemi’s extensive background and 15 years of leadership experience, Tinubu expressed confidence in his ability to lead the CMA to greater heights once his election is confirmed at the association’s Annual General Meeting in May 2025.
The President’s message included a call for inclusivity and collaboration, urging Dr. Ogunyemi to “embrace those who vied for the position as partners in progress” and focus on a unifying mandate.
In his assurance of Nigeria’s unwavering support, Tinubu added:
“The prayers and unwavering support of the Nigerian government and its people accompany Dr. Ogunyemi as he takes on the mantle of leadership.”
Who is Boluwaji Ogunyemi?
According to details retrieved from the varsity’s website, Ogunyemi is a renowned physician, educator, and leader with diverse professional and research interests spanning health policy, health systems leadership, social accountability, diversity, inclusion, equity, clinical epidemiology, medical dermatology, and medical humanities.
He holds an extensive academic background, including a Fellowship in Health Sciences Improvement from the University of Alberta (2024), a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University (2020), a Graduate Certificate in Medical Teaching from Memorial University of Newfoundland (2019), and a Doctor of Medicine from the same institution (2013).
His comprehensive training is complemented by leadership programs such as the Physician Leadership and Management Project (2023–2024) and the ICD.D Director Education Program at the Rotman School of Management (2021–2022).
illustrious career is decorated with numerous honours, including the 2023 Faculty of Science Alumni Award of Achievement from Western University, the 2022 Canadian Medical Association Award for Young Leaders, and the prestigious Harry Jerome Award for Excellence in Health Sciences (2017).
A dedicated researcher, he has received scholarships from esteemed organisations like the National Institutes of Health and the Canadian Dermatology Foundation.
His leadership roles include serving on the Governance Committee of the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s Anti-Black Racism Accreditation Working Group, and the Board of Directors for the Skin Research Group of Canada.
These accomplishments underscore his profound influence in medicine and governance on both national and international stages.
