The Department of Radiation Biology, Radio diagnosis and Radiotherapy (RBRR), Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) on Wednesday honoured the legacy/contributions of late Prof. Josbert Duncan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commendation service in honour of late don took place at the Old Great Hall of the college in Lagos.
NAN also reports that Duncan who was the first clinical and Radiation Oncologist in West Africa and a pioneering head of the department of RBRR was born on Oct. 2, 1931 and died on March 10, 2026.
Speaking, during the commendation service, Dr Ademola Oremosu Provost CMUL said that everything in life had a beginning and an end.
Oremosu said that Duncan was one of the early staff and his uncle was the first provost of the college while he was the 16th provost of the college.
According to him, Duncan joined in 1967 and from then on worked his career till he retired after spending about 10 years.
“During this period, he was able to attract so many things into the college. Cancer was one of the ailments ravaging people then and he was one of the first person to attack cancer frontally through the use of radiation.”
Similarly, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor, UNILAG, said that the late Duncan was a pioneer, trail blazer and an icon.
Ogunsola who was represented by Prof. Afolabi Lesi, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Developmental Services, said that Duncan was one of those recognised for their specialty in cancer treatment.
In the same vein, Dr Omolola Salako, Senior lecturer, CMUL, UNILAG, said that she was one of the 100 clinical radiation oncologists trained by the late don.
Salako also said that she was privileged to be trained by Duncan, when she spent three months internship with him.
She said that she gained wealth of knowledge that was not just about oncologist, but life, resilience and respect for humanity.
She added that the late oncologist was dynamic as he ensured that every patient felt seen and heard.
Also speaking, Mrs Erejuwa Gbadebo, the late oncologist second daughter, said that her father was always encouraging her irrespective of whatever she does.
She said her dad loved and cherished all his children describing him as a great man who loved every member of his family.
Mr Eyimofe Duncan, son to the late oncologist described his father as a pioneer in medical history.
“I learnt a lot from him, and the commendation service is an eye opener after listening to all the tributes.”
