Remembering Professor Kehinde: A Legacy of Urology and Research
"A tribute to a distinguished urological surgeon, educator, and researcher whose contributions spanned continents and inspired countless colleagues."
The African Journal of Urology mourns the loss of Professor Elijah Oladunni Kehinde, a key associate editor whose sudden death, along with that of his wife, Dr. Funmilola Ajibona Kehinde, and their children, Mojoyinoluwa and Omolayo, has deeply saddened the community. Their tragic passing in a fire accident in Astana, Kazakhstan, marks the end of a life dedicated to advancing urological research and education.
Professor Kehinde's career was marked by significant contributions to the field of urology. As a Nigerian urological surgeon, educator, and researcher, he received the Distinguished Researcher Award in basic applied science from Kuwait University in 2006. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Leicester, Bayer United Kingdom Ltd., and Kuwait University, where he made impactful contributions to medical science.
With over 40 years of experience in research, teaching, and administration across Nigeria, Oman, Kuwait, and Great Britain, Professor Kehinde's expertise was highly sought after. In June 2016, he joined the School of Medicine at Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan, where he continued his work as an experienced researcher and consultant.
Urology Data and Workforce Measurement
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases’ 2025 Urologic Diseases in America report addresses the epidemiology of non-malignant urologic disease in the United States. The 2024 annual report was prepared in collaboration with Acumen, LLC and NIDDK, part of the National Institutes of Health. The American Urological Association’s 2024 Census analysis used a population-based, weighted survey and relied on response counts when reporting statistics for small geographic, demographic, and clinical categories. The supplied source details do not provide prevalence or workforce totals to report here.
Statistical Methods in Urology Research
A 2005 article on clinical research and statistical methods in urology describes statistical methods as central to the shift from opinion-based to evidence-based medicine. It argues that sound statistical methodology helps transform ambiguous raw data into meaningful results. A 2023 systematic review set out to examine the prevalence and trends of essential study-design elements in preclinical urology, as well as factors that may improve methodological rigour. The supplied material does not report that review’s findings, so it cannot establish which design elements were most prevalent or their limitations.
From Uroscopy to Modern Urology
The European Museum of Urology notes that the word “urology” points to a development rooted in uroscopy, the examination of urine practiced by physicians in remote periods. Its account characterizes modern urology as a branch shaped by complicated methods and notable achievements. The other listed sources describe the specialty’s evolution and milestones broadly, but the supplied snippets do not identify specific discoveries, dates, or pioneers.
A Career Dedicated to Urology and Education
Professor Kehinde's influence extended beyond the laboratory and classroom. He was an experienced consultant in urologic surgery, bringing significant administrative experience to his roles. His wife, Dr. Olufunmilayo, was a Gynaecologist and Obstetrician Consultant with Sandwell and Birmingham NHS Hospital trust, further highlighting the family's commitment to healthcare.
- Distinguished Researcher Award for his work in applied science.
- Extensive research and teaching experience spanning multiple countries.
- Significant contributions to the African Journal of Urology as an associate editor and reviewer.
- Dedication to establishing high standards in medical education.
Antibiotic Resistance Before Prostate Biopsy
A review on preventing sepsis before prostate biopsy reports that recent series found fluoroquinolone-resistant rectal flora in up to one quarter of men undergoing biopsy. This finding highlights antibiotic resistance as a consideration in prophylaxis before the procedure. The snippet does not specify which prophylactic strategy is most effective or provide further outcome comparisons.
Study Populations and Analysis
A prospective randomized comparison of targeted versus empirical prophylactic antibiotics recruited 112 patients, but included only 100 who met the study’s inclusion criteria in its analysis. A separate randomized, nonblinded multicenter trial comparing rectal culture-based with empirical prophylaxis had data available for analysis from 1,288 patients, or 83.7% of its participants. These figures describe different studies and populations, so they should not be treated as directly comparable results. The supplied snippets do not report the trials’ infection outcomes.
Complications in a 300-Patient Study
A prospective study of 300 patients undergoing transrectal sonographically guided prostate biopsy reported septicemia as the most frequent complication. It occurred in five cases, representing 1.7% of the patients. The supplied source snippet does not provide a comparison group or further complication rates.
A Lasting Impact
The loss of Professor Kehinde is deeply felt by his colleagues, students, and the broader medical community. His commitment to advancing urology and medical education has left an indelible mark on the field.
Rectal Cleansing and Antibiotic Prophylaxis
A survey of prostate-biopsy practice among Nigerian urologists reports differing evidence and guidance on rectal cleansing before biopsy. It notes that enemas, suppositories, or povidone iodine lavage have not shown significant benefit in patients receiving antibiotic prophylaxis. However, it says EAU guidelines recommend rectal cleansing, citing a meta-analysis of six trials in which cleansing combined with antibiotics was associated with fewer infectious complications than antibiotics alone. The source therefore presents a tension between the reported lack of significant benefit in some evidence and the guideline recommendation.
Uneven Access and Emerging Risks
A source on global urology describes access to quality care as deeply uneven across regions, despite advances in diagnostics, therapeutics, and surgical techniques. A Monash Health evidence report says urology “unicorns” have accumulated substantial financial impact, which may accelerate medical progress but also create risks such as inequity. It argues that these developments warrant more scientific research to inform medical societies and policy decisions. The supplied sources identify access disparities and potential inequity, but do not quantify their scale.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life and achievements. Professor Kehinde's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of medical professionals to pursue excellence in research, education, and patient care.
May his soul, and that of his wife, Dr. Funmilola Ajibona Kehinde, together with their deceased children, Mojoyinoluwa and Omolayo, rest in peace. Their contributions to medicine and society will not be forgotten.