It was an atmosphere of inspiration and purpose on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as Sunday Osuntoye, a 600-level medical student of Obafemi Awolowo University, hosted a Global Symposium with students, featuring the launch of his debut book, An Epistle to Medical Students (Making the Most of the Long Years), alongside a memorable birthday celebration.
Held at HSLT A, College of Health Sciences, the event gathered over 200 participants on-site, filling the hall to capacity. The symposium also extended its reach globally, with a live audience from over five countries joining via YouTube and Facebook.
More than 120 viewers tuned in on YouTube, while over 350 individuals registered to attend virtually, marking it as a truly global convergence of medical minds.
The event also featured esteemed dignitaries including Prof. A.O. Salako (representing Prof. B. Kolawole, Provost, College of Health Sciences); Prof. T. A. Esan, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry; Prof. A. O. Ijarotimi from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; and Dr. Collins Adumah, Chairperson, Doctors’ Arm, CMDA OAUTHC.
Kicking off the event, Osuntoye mounted the podium to a well-rounded ovation, delivering a heartfelt speech and appreciation to attendees. The Vice President of IFUMSA, Sopade Funmi, who anchored the event, invited Monisola to read the foreword of the book, penned by Dr. Olalekan Olasehinde, Consultant and General Surgeon at OAUTHC.
“The essence of medical school is not merely restricted to exams, but rather in the resilience and experience built along the journey of becoming a healer,” Dr. Olasehinde remarked, as read by Monisola.
Deep Dives into the Book
Precious Salako opened the reviews with Chapters 1 and 2. “You know those books that make you pause and rethink your life? That’s what this one did for me,” she noted.
The chapters delve into understanding times and seasons, drawing parallels between youthful years and time spent in medical school. Osuntoye urges students to be intentional with these fleeting years.
John Faniran, who reviewed Chapters 3 and 4, reflected on the theme, “Medical School Through a New Lens.” He emphasized that the long duration of medical training provides an opportunity to explore interests beyond academics.
“Six years of false luxury,” he called it—years that can vanish in a blink if not well-maximized.
Words of Encouragement
Prof. A.O. Salako, Dean of Clinical Sciences, gave goodwill remarks in the absence of the Provost. Quoting Prof. Wole Soyinka, he said, “No one is rich enough to buy yesterday, but you can control tomorrow by taking great foundational steps today.”
He urged medical students to not just focus on academics but to also develop their unique talents. He further announced that two copies of the book would be added to the Faculty’s library.
Prof. Ijarotimi, while congratulating Osuntoye, described him as a “gentle achiever.”
“He’s quiet, yet highly multi-dimensional. I wasn’t surprised when he told me he was launching a book,” she said.
Discovering Purpose and Making the Years Count
Gideon Aduroja reviewed Chapters 5 and 6: “The Path to Fulfillment” and “Carpe Diem – Making the Most of the Years.” He described medical school as a launchpad for greater pursuits, not just a degree chase.
Adeola Abe, in reviewing Chapters 7 and 8, stressed the importance of discovering purpose as a divine assignment. The eighth chapter, “Applying Our Hearts to Wisdom,” emphasizes the urgency of using time wisely as a mission entrusted by God.
Ajeleti Oluwagbeminiyi, reviewing Chapters 9 and 10, highlighted the call to a God-driven life and purpose in “Better is the End of a Thing.” In the final chapter, “Physician, Heal Thyself,” the author weaves spiritual insight with references to Asclepius, the Greek god of healing.
Generous Launches and Grand Finale
Before the official launch, Dr. Collins Adumah, Chairperson of the Doctors’ Arm, CMDA OAUTHC, expressed his delight in attending the event. He reminded the audience that there is a purpose for every man, and it is critical to discover and pursue it. He commended the author for stepping beyond the confines of the medical school curriculum to explore such a profound subject.
Prof. T. A. Esan, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, also addressed the audience with a powerful reflection on the concept of time, seasons, and purpose. He emphasized that understanding these three elements is essential to achieving success in life. “Time is constant. It cannot be bought or recovered. We must learn to value it,” he said. He applauded the author for using his own time wisely to produce such a purposeful and inspiring book.
Following these stirring messages, Prof. Esan and Dr. Collins joined in launching the book with their donations. Prof. Esan made a generous contribution, and Dr. Collins also offered his support.
Ajeleti Gbeminiyi launched with ₦5,000, Osisanya Damilola gave ₦20,000, and the IFUMSA President, Olajuyigbe Miracle, launched the book on behalf of the association with an undisclosed amount.
The event ended with a heartfelt vote of thanks from the author, Sunday Osuntoye, who emphasized the need for everyone to discover their God-given purpose. In a joyful twist, the evening doubled as a birthday celebration for the author, complete with saxophone melodies, cheers, and a birthday cake shared with friends and well-wishers.
To purchase a hard copy of An Epistle to Medical Students, which cost 2500, kindly message the author, Sunday Osuntoye, on WhatsApp, by clicking this. For an e-book version, you can buy for #1000 by clicking this. Read more articles here.
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