Former Minister of Health and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, has formally begun his diplomatic duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada after presenting his credentials to the country’s Governor General, Louise Arbour, at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Canada’s Office of the Governor General confirmed that Adewole was among nine new heads of mission whose credentials were received on September 15, 2026.
The ceremony completed an accreditation process that began after Adewole arrived in Canada on July 24 to take up the assignment. The Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa said at the time that his posting would focus on advancing relations between Nigeria and Canada and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Adewole subsequently presented copies of his Letters of Credence to Canada’s Chief of Protocol, Sébastien Carrière, on August 21. His presentation of the original credentials to the Governor General on September 15 formally accredited him to carry out his duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner.
The Osun-born professor was joined around the occasion by prominent figures from his home state, including former Osun State Governor and former APC National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. Oyebamiji publicly congratulated Adewole on the diplomatic assignment and his presentation of credentials.
Adewole brings a background spanning medicine, academia and government to the diplomatic posting. A professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, he previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan before becoming Nigeria’s Minister of Health
His appointment extends a public-service career that has moved from university administration to the federal cabinet and now diplomacy. President Bola Tinubu appointed Adewole to the Canadian posting in March 2026, according to reports surrounding his assumption of office.
As High Commissioner, Adewole takes responsibility for representing Nigeria in one of its longstanding bilateral relationships. Nigeria and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1962, while Nigeria’s High Commission in Ottawa opened in 1973. The two countries cooperate through the Canada-Nigeria Binational Commission on areas including trade, security, development and migration.
His assumption of office also carries particular significance in Osun, where his latest federal appointment has drawn attention to another prominent indigene of the state taking up a senior national assignment.
