Dr Olawale Sulaiman: 10 key facts about US-based Nigerian neurosurgeon who performed 500 free brain surgeries

Dr Olawale Sulaiman is a Nigerian-born neurosurgeon based in the United States who has gained global recognition for his selfless dedication to improving healthcare in Nigeria.

Here are 10 things to know about him:

1. Humble Beginnings: Born on Lagos Island, he grew up in a large polygamous family of 10 children. He often shared a single room with nine siblings, sleeping on floor mats.

2. Life-Changing Scholarship: At 19, he received a Nigerian government scholarship to study medicine in Bulgaria, an opportunity he credits for opening doors and fueling his desire to give back.

3. Extensive Medical Training: He holds an MD and MSc from the Medical University of Varna in Bulgaria, a PhD in neuroscience from the University of Alberta in Canada, and completed his residency at the University of Manitoba.

4. Significant Pay Cut: To dedicate time to his home country, he negotiated a 25% pay cut with Ochsner Health System in Louisiana, US. This allows him to spend up to 12 days every month in Nigeria.

5. Free Surgeries: Through his efforts, he has performed over 500 free brain and spinal surgeries for underprivileged patients in Nigeria who otherwise could not afford such specialized care.

6. RNZ Global & Foundation: Alongside his wife, Patricia, a nurse practitioner, he co-founded RNZ Global Ltd and the RNZ Foundation in 2010 to provide advanced neurosurgical services and training in Nigeria.

7. Preventive Healthcare: Beyond the operating room, his missions have delivered preventive healthcare services and education to over 5,000 individuals.

8. Expert in Minimally Invasive Surgery: He is recognized for performing the first minimally invasive spine surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa.

9. Government Appointments: In 2019, he was appointed as a Special Adviser on Health Matters to the Kwara State Governor. In 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Science, Ila-Orangun.

10. National Honour: For his contributions to medicine and humanitarian service, he was awarded the rank of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by the Nigerian government.