Today, I reflect with profound respect and gratitude on the life of Professor Tam David-West, a distinguished scholar, statesman, and patriot whose legacy continues to inspire us all. Born on August 26, 1936, Professor David-West exemplified excellence, courage, and integrity throughout his remarkable life.
Death is an inevitable reality; it is the final chapter for everyone. As the saying goes, “Everybody must die,” and “Everything that is born must pass away.” Unfortunately, it was death that prevented him from completing his work, “My Controversies, My Vindications: 1960-2009.”
As a professor of virology at the University of Ibadan, you educated generations of students who have gone on to make significant contributions in academia and public service. Beyond your academic role, you served Nigeria honorably as the Commissioner for Education in Rivers State, and later as the Minister of Petroleum and Energy, as well as the Minister of Mines, Power, and Steel.
You played a pivotal role in investigating, isolating, and characterizing the influenza virus responsible for the 1974 Influenza Epidemic in Nigeria. In 1974, you became a professor and served two unprecedented consecutive terms as a Senate Representative Member of the University Council in University of Ibadan.
Notably, two distinguished Vice-Chancellors of the University – Professor Ayodele Falase (VC: 2000-2005) and Professor Isaac Adewole (VC: 2010-2015) were among your students in virology classes at the College of Medicine.
Professor Tam David-West was not only a dedicated public servant but also a fearless advocate for truth. He was a man of remarkable simplicity who stood resolutely against corruption and injustice. His prolific writings, public engagements, and service to the nation reflected his deep love for Nigeria and his unwavering belief in a just and prosperous society.
The loss of a beloved figure is often described as an “irreparable loss.” Despite the hard truth expressed in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar – “Death, a necessary end, will come when it will come”—the passing of loved ones leaves us with profound sorrow and pain.
Tam was a paragon of honesty. I am reminded of President Thomas Jefferson’s words about President James Monroe: “If you turn his soul inside out, there would not be a spot on it.” Indeed, you were without blemish, a staunch advocate for “NO CORRUPTION,” boldly written and displayed on the back of his car.
You are an icon, a role model, and a brilliantly shining star, worthy of emulation, especially in these times of socio-political decay, ethical decline, insincerity, and indiscipline.
You taught me invaluable lessons in time and self-management. I recall how you refused to open your door to a serving Major-General who arrived fifteen minutes late for an appointment, despite the General’s excuse of a flight delay. Your response was, “Except you are coming from hell.”
You also imparted the “Art of Writing” to me, graciously writing the foreword for my book, “Recipe for Writing Business Plans,” although you did not live to see its launch.
Job 29:12-13; 15-17 beautifully encapsulates your spirit as a rallying point for the needy, always open-handed and tireless in your generosity:
“Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause, which I knew not, I searched out. And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.”
Though you departed this world on November 11, 2019, your name remains etched in the hearts of those who cherish honesty, humility, and patriotism. On this posthumous birthday, I celebrate your enduring contributions, principled life, and the shining example you left behind.
May your memory continue to inspire generations yet unborn.
Tamunoemi, Requiescat in Pace!
Dr. ‘Gbola ADESINA writes from
Ibadan
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