This week, we celebrate a true trailblazer in Nigerian medicine, Dr. Abimbola Ayodeji Abolarinwa, Nigeria’s first female urologist. Her groundbreaking achievement not only redefined possibilities within surgical medicine but also opened doors for countless women aspiring to enter male-dominated medical specialties.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1979 in England and raised in Nigeria, Dr. Abolarinwa grew up in a disciplined and academically driven environment. She began her early education at Air Force Primary School in Kaduna and later attended Air Force Girls Military School in Jos.

Her passion for medicine led her to the prestigious University of Ibadan, where she earned her medical degree in 2004. Following her internship and national service, she proceeded to specialize in surgery at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Breaking Barriers in Urology

In October 2013, Dr. Abolarinwa made history when she passed the Part II Fellowship examination of the West African College of Surgeons, becoming Nigeria’s first female urologist.

Urology a highly specialized surgical field that deals with diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs has traditionally been dominated by men. Her success in this demanding specialty marked a significant milestone for gender inclusion in Nigerian healthcare.

 Academic and Professional Impact

Today, Dr. Abolarinwa serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Lagos State University College of Medicine and as an Honorary Consultant at LASUTH. Her clinical and research interests include paediatric urology, andrology, and reconstructive urology.

Beyond her medical expertise, she is a mentor and inspiration to medical students and young doctors, especially women who aspire to careers in surgery. Her journey demonstrates that excellence, resilience, and dedication can break even the most entrenched barriers.

Dr. Abimbola Abolarinwa’s story is one of courage, discipline, and achievement. By stepping into a space where few women had ventured, she has not only built a remarkable career but has also expanded the horizon of possibilities for Nigerian women in medicine.

Her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of female surgeons who dare to dream beyond limitations.