At 80 years, Professor Oyewale Tomori stands as a towering symbol of scientific excellence, courage, and unwavering service to humanity. His life’s work tells a powerful story: that one individual, armed with knowledge, integrity, and purpose, can shape the health destiny of nations and inspire generations yet unborn.
Born on February 3, 1946, in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria, Prof. Tomori’s journey into science began with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
(1971). At a time when the frontiers of infectious disease research in Africa were still fragile, he
chose a path that demanded sacrifice, rigor, and resilience. That choice would later redefine virology and public health practice across the continent.
A defining moment came in 1969 during a Lassa fever outbreak, when a single lecture on virology ignited a lifelong passion. What followed was not merely a career shift, but a calling. He pursued
a PhD in virology at the University of Ibadan (1976), where his brilliance, discipline, and intellectual curiosity quickly distinguished him. In 1981, he became a Professor of Virology,
mentoring students while building a research culture rooted in excellence, relevance, and national
service.
Professor Tomori’s impact transcended academia. From 1994 to 2004, as Regional Virologist for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, he confronted one of the greatest public
health challenges of the time: polio eradication. Recognizing that surveillance and diagnostics were the backbone of disease control, he led the establishment of the African Regional Polio Laboratory Network—16 laboratories strategically positioned across the continent. This visionary
effort strengthened Africa’s capacity to detect, respond to, and ultimately defeat poliovirus.
In Nigeria, his leadership proved transformative. As Chairman of the Nigeria Expert Review Committee on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization, Prof. Tomori championed innovation, accountability, and urgency. He was instrumental in advancing strategies such as the Emergency
Operations Centre (EOC) model and targeted “hit-and-run” immunization campaigns, ensuring vaccines reached the hardest-to-access communities. These efforts bore historic fruit when Nigeria was certified polio-free in June 2020—a milestone that once seemed unattainable.
Yet, Professor Tomori’s greatness lies not only in milestones achieved, but in the principles he embodies. He has consistently spoken truth to power, insisting that science must guide policy and that preparedness is non-negotiable. He reminds younger scientists that relevance matters—that research must serve society, not merely careers.
His excellence has been widely recognized. He is a recipient of the Nigerian National Order of
Merit (NNOM), the nation’s highest academic honor. He is a Fellow of the Nigeria Academy of
Science (FAS). He is also a member of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, a Fellow of the International Science Council, and served as President of the Nigerian Academy of Science from
2013 to 2017. Beyond titles and awards, his influence is etched into institutions, systems, and minds.
Perhaps most inspiring is his continued relevance. At an age when many retreat from active engagement, Prof. Tomori remains intellectually vibrant—publishing, mentoring, advocating, and
challenging complacency in global health. His recent scholarly outputs testify that passion for science does not expire with age. In recognition of his enduring contributions, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire renamed its Enterovirus & Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Laboratory at the Institut Pasteur as the Oyewale Tomori Laboratory—a rare honor that immortalizes his legacy beyond
national borders.
To young scientists, Professor Tomori’s life offers enduring lessons: pursue excellence relentlessly; let integrity anchor your work; choose courage over convenience; and remember that
science is most powerful when it serves humanity. His journey affirms that African scientists can lead globally, shape policy, and change history.
As we celebrate Professor Oyewale Tomori at 80, we honor not just a man, but a mission—a life devoted to protecting lives, strengthening systems, and inspiring hope. His legacy is not only in diseases defeated, but in minds awakened and futures empowered. May his story continue to light the path for generations to come.
Courtesy: Damien Foundation Centre for Genomics and Global Health, University of Ibadan (3rd
February, 2026)
