BTvNEWS

A Kaduna-Bred Professional’s Journey Through Medicine, Leadership, Community Service and Excellence

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Kaduna, Nigeria

BTvNEWS: Chief, Dr., Sir Odetunde Adebayo Peter Smart, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of A. P. Smart Hospital, is a Kaduna-born and well-bred medical practitioner, healthcare entrepreneur, leader, humanitarian and community development advocate whose life journey reflects a remarkable combination of professional excellence, leadership, service and commitment to humanity.

Born in 1975 in Kaduna, Chief Dr. Sir Odetunde hails from Inisa, Osun State, South-West Nigeria. His early education began in Kaduna, where he attended nursery school at First Baptist Church, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, before proceeding to St. Anne’s Primary School, Kaduna. He later moved to Osun State for his secondary education.

His leadership qualities became evident from his formative years. While in primary school, he served as the team captain of his set’s football team and simultaneously held the position of Social Prefect. During his secondary school years, he rose further in student leadership, serving as the Senior Prefect (Head Boy).

Following his secondary education, Chief Dr. Sir Odetunde gained admission to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to study Microbiology. However, after spending a year in the programme, he decided to leave the institution because he was dissatisfied with the course of study allocated to him.

Determined to pursue a career more closely aligned with his aspirations, he subsequently gained admission to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 2007. He thereafter undertook Residency Training in Orthopaedics at the same institution.

His quest for continuous professional development also took him beyond Nigeria. In 2014, he underwent General Surgical Skills Training and Clinical Application in Dubai, while in 2016, he travelled to Hamburg, Germany, for further training in Orthopaedics and Trauma.

Beyond conventional medical training, Chief Dr. Sir Odetunde has pursued multidisciplinary academic and professional development. His qualifications and academic pursuits include a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Clinical Psychology, a Master’s degree in Forensic and Criminology Psychology, and an MPhil in Leadership and Strategic Studies. He is also pursuing a PhD in Leadership and Strategic Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

Chief Dr. Sir Odetunde’s leadership and community-service credentials extend beyond the healthcare sector. During his younger years, he served as the Secretary of the Catholic Yoruba Youth of Kaduna and was also the Coordinator of the St. Joseph Band Group, Kakuri, Kaduna.

His commitment to community development has further seen him serve as an Adviser to the Inisa Descendants Northern Wing and as the former President of the Rotary Club of Gonin-Gora Branch, Kaduna. He also serves as the Auditor of the Special Marshal Group, Unit 6.

As the Chief Medical Director of A. P. Smart Hospital, Chief Dr. Sir Odetunde has continued to combine his medical expertise with a strong philosophy of service to humanity. His professional journey, leadership engagements and humanitarian activities have earned him recognition from various organisations and institutions.

Awards and Recognitions

His numerous honours and recognitions include:

1. Class Award of Excellence, Kaduna, by Project Excel of Nigeria (PEN) as PEN Man of the Year 2026.
2. Excellent and Professional Award, presented by Ray 99 Fashion in 2016.
3. Certificate of Recognition, presented by the Rotary Foundation in 2017.
4. Distinguished Leadership Award, presented by the Association of Igbo United in 2018.
5. Gospel Ministry Kaduna Chapter Award, 2018.
6. Rotary Plaque of Honour Award, 2019.
7. IICA Recognition Award for proficiency and effectiveness in Healthcare Delivery.
8. National Association of Polytechnic Students Award as an Icon of Humanitarian Service, 2020.
9. Merit and Acknowledgement Award, presented by Gora Street Carnival, 2020.
10. Special Marshal Award for Exceptional Humanitarian Service, 2021.
11. NWPIA Award of Icon of Humanitarian Service/Symbol of Peace in Nigeria, 2022.
12. Certificate of Endorsement as an Anti-Corruption Crusader, presented by NYSC, 2022.
13. Inter-Tribal Association of Nigeria Icon of Societal Transformation Award, 2022.
14. Northern Youth Alliance for Building Peace Award, 2023.
15. African Ethics Investiture Award as an Icon of Ethics and National Unity, 2023.
16. National Association of University Students (NAUS), BUK Chapter Award of Excellence in the Health Sector.

Chief Dr. Sir Odetunde Adebayo Peter Smart’s story is therefore one of determination, purposeful leadership, professional advancement and service to humanity. From his early days as a school football captain and Social Prefect to becoming a Senior Prefect, medical practitioner, orthopaedic and trauma professional, healthcare leader, community organiser and recipient of numerous humanitarian and leadership recognitions, his journey demonstrates the value of perseverance, continuous learning and commitment to society.

Through his work at A. P. Smart Hospital, his professional engagements, community leadership and humanitarian interventions, Chief Dr. Sir Odetunde continues to make his contribution to healthcare delivery and societal development, while inspiring others through a life anchored on service, leadership, compassion and excellence.