By George M.O. Williams
The University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex (USLTHC) has earned heightened international recognition following a series of prestigious awards and professional engagements by Prof. Babatunde Duduyemi, Consultant Pathologist, Professor of Pathology, and Head of the Pathology Department.
Prof. Duduyemi’s achievements have not only elevated his personal profile but also strengthened the reputation and capacity of the Pathology Department at USLTHC.
Among his recent accolades are a fellowship with the International Association for Surgeons, Gastroenterologists and Oncologists, awarded in recognition of his publications, international collaborations, and contributions to pathology training. He also received the Global Pathology Education Award and an International Fellowship from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the premier pathology institution in the United States.
“These accolades have positioned me to represent both Sierra Leone and USLTHC at international conferences, expert panels, and professional exchanges,” Prof. Duduyemi remarked.
Expanding Research and Capacity
The Pathology Department currently hosts five ongoing research projects, many of which provide essential consumables and reagents. Prof. Duduyemi revealed that approximately 65 percent of laboratory materials used this year were secured through international collaborations, significantly easing pressure on hospital resources.
He also highlighted the success of the African Cancer Star initiative, which he co-founded to train emerging researchers in proposal development, research methods, and academic writing. Three junior researchers have already benefited, with two sponsored to attend the African Organisation for Research in Cancer (AORTIC) conference in Tunisia. Several early-career colleagues have produced their first publications under his mentorship, while he continues to support undergraduate, postgraduate, and faculty researchers across USLTHC.
Strategic Partnerships
Prof. Duduyemi cited ongoing collaboration with the University of Miami, which has supplied essential reagents and consumables, ensuring uninterrupted laboratory services—one of the department’s most persistent challenges.
Another milestone partnership comes from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), where Prof. Duduyemi serves as an African Ambassador and International Fellow. Through this collaboration, the department received a state-of-the-art tissue processor valued at approximately USD 60,000. The machine has been tested and confirmed fully functional and is expected to begin operation once reagents and consumables are secured.
Commitment to Institutional Growth
Reflecting on his achievements, Prof. Duduyemi emphasized that his efforts are focused on strengthening the institution rather than personal acclaim. He noted that the Department of Pathology at USLTHC is steadily gaining global interest due to its expanding research output, international collaborations, and academic excellence.