Dr. Oni: The Visionary Medical Laboratory Scientist Who Built a Legacy Beyond His Lifetime
His foresight in diagnostics and business continuity offers vital lessons for private healthcare operators in Nigeria
By Adekoya Abimbola Julius
Lagos, Nigeria
The Nigerian medical community is mourning the passing of Dr. (Alh.) Azeez Oyinwola Oni, a distinguished Medical Laboratory Scientist and Managing Director of Nazo Medical Diagnostic Services Ltd, whose foresight, professionalism, and leadership transformed diagnostic medicine in the country.
A pioneer in the field, Dr. Oni was among the first generation of Medical Laboratory Scientists who championed the recognition and advancement of the profession in Nigeria. His name became synonymous with excellence, innovation, and mentorship within the medical diagnostic sector.
Yet, beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Oni stood out for his profound wisdom about life, leadership, and legacy. During a visit not long before his death, he spoke passionately about a pressing problem in Nigeria’s private healthcare space — the tendency for medical facilities to die with their founders.
“Many people died, and their medical facilities died with them,” he said. “We must build systems that can survive beyond us.”
Those words reflected his deep understanding of sustainability in healthcare business management. After the painful loss of his only son, Dr. Oni took decisive steps to secure the future of his diagnostic facility. He partnered with Afriglobal Medical, introducing a broader management structure designed to guarantee continuity and efficiency.
“My share of the company is enough for me,” he remarked. “I don’t need the stress of management. What matters is continuity.”
His decision proved visionary. Even on the day of his passing, operations at Afrigloba NAZO House continued smoothly. In fact, Afriglobal Medical maintained uninterrupted services during his 8th-day Fidau prayers, a rare testament to solid governance and sustainable systems.
Colleagues who knew Dr. Oni describe him as a man of great integrity, humility, and discipline. He was passionate about training younger professionals and strengthening institutional frameworks in medical diagnostics.
His life leaves a vital lesson for today’s healthcare entrepreneurs and diagnostic facility owners: build structures that can function without your constant presence. Too many professionals, he warned, remain permanently tied to their offices because they have failed to establish systems and succession plans that can ensure continuity.
Dr. Oni’s foresight and courage to act on that conviction set him apart. While his physical presence will be missed, the legacy he built — both in people and systems — continues to thrive.
As one colleague aptly put it:
“Dr. Oni didn’t just build a diagnostic center. He built a legacy of sustainability. And that is the true mark of leadership.”
May his memory continue to inspire generations of medical laboratory scientists and healthcare professionals across Nigeria.
There is a powerful lesson in Dr. Oni’s life for all of us in the medical laboratory and healthcare professions. Many of us cannot leave our offices for even a day without disruption. We remain glued to our systems because we have not built structures that can operate independently of us. Dr. Oni showed us that sustainability and continuity are not achieved by hard work alone—but by building systems, delegating authority, and trusting competent management.
May the soul of our departed hero rest in peace.