I warmly congratulate my dear friend, Prof. Shaffy Adeniyi Amuwo, on his 80th birthday today.
Prof. Amuwo is a scholar, a patriot, and a man of deep convictions. Over the years, I have come to value his wisdom, his commitment to public service and democracy, and his unwavering love for Lagos and Nigeria.
As an academic and public intellectual, Prof. Amuwo has contributed immensely to public health education and infrastructure.
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His insights have enriched policy debates on public health, and his counsel has been a source of strength to many, including me.
His love for humanity and minority rights led him to launch a pioneering programme called "Pipelines/Pathways to Health Professions," which opened doors for thousands of minority students to become health professionals with various degrees.
Prof. Amuwo's outstanding contribution to public health and minority advancement earned him a commendation on the floor of the United States Congress in 2004 and later the establishment of a Minority Scholarship Fund in his name by the US Congress.
Prof. Amuwo is also known for his many medical and humanitarian missions that helped facilitate over $50 million worth of medical supplies and eyeglasses to African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.
In Lagos, his home state, he gave from his wealth of experience, contributing to the development of public health infrastructure while serving on the Governing Board of Lagos State University (LASU).
As a devout Muslim, Prof. Amuwo served in several leadership positions within the Nigerian Muslim community in the US and helped propagate Islam in Nigeria and beyond.
To his other friends and me, he gave the gift of friendship and loyalty.
In essence, most of Prof. Amuwo's 80 years are hallmarked by scholarship, leadership, service, global impact, and commitment to friendship.
On this day, therefore, I celebrate a friend, a brother, and a compatriot who continues to serve Nigeria and humanity with intellect and integrity.
I pray that Almighty Allah will grant him more years in good health, renewed strength, and greater joy. May his life continue to be a blessing to his family, students, professional associates, friends, and our nation.
Happy Birthday, Prof. Shaffy Amuwo. Happy birthday, my friend and brother.
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
September 15, 2026
