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Celebrating the life and contribution of AAS Fellow David Olufemi Olaleye
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Celebrating the life and contribution of AAS Fellow David Olufemi Olaleye
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is deeply saddened to have heard of the death of AAS Fellow, Professor David Olufemi Olaleye who passed away on 27 July 2021 in Nigeria.
Professor Olaleye obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1981, Master’s in Veterinary Science (Diagnostic Pathology) in 1983 and PhD in Virology in 1991, all from the University of Ibadan. He joined the university immediately after the mandatory one-year national service in 1982 as Resident Veterinary Officer (Pathology). His journey as a virologist started when he was appointed lecturer in the Department of Virology, College of Medicine of the same university in 1986. He rose through the ranks and became a Professor of Virology in 1995. He was appointed a Consultant Virologist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria on 11 March 1992, and held this position as specialist adviser until his death.
He was an Adjunct Professor at North Western University, Chicago, Illinois, USA. A founding member of the African Forum for Research and Education in Health, member of the America Science Honors Society (Sigma Xi) and a member of the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force.
Professor Olaleye had a distinguished career as a scientist. His research focused on diagnosis, characterisation and molecular epidemiology of various virus-related diseases in Nigeria. He was an excellent teacher and mentor. He mentored many who are at the peak of their careers today.
He dedicated over 20 years in management at the university level and served as the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (2006 to 2010) and four-time Head of Department, Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (1994 to 1996, 1998 to 2001, 2004 to 2006, 2014 to 2018).
The AAS remembers him for his contribution to the growth of the Academy.