Early Life and Formation: The Roots of a Scholar‑Clinician
Ebunoluwa Aderonke Adejuyigbe was born in Akoko North‑East Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and tradition of producing scholars and professionals across diverse fields. Details about her formative years reveal a trajectory shaped by early academic promise and service orientation. She attended Girls High School, Gindiri, Jos, completing her secondary education before moving on to pursue medical training.
Her decision to pursue medicine led her to Obafemi Awolowo University (then University of Ife) – a university renowned for academic rigor and producing leaders in Nigerian public life. There, she studied health sciences and medicine, earning a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree in 1987. Her time at OAU laid the foundation for both clinical excellence and research engagement – two pillars that would shape her later contributions to paediatrics and academic leadership.
It is worth noting that Adejuyigbe’s medical education occurred during a period when Nigeria’s healthcare system was confronting significant challenges in maternal and child health. Infant mortality rates remained high, and neonatal care resources were limited. Within this context, her choice of specialty – paediatrics and neonatal care – reflected not only personal interests but also a deep engagement with pressing public health needs.
Clinical Excellence and Research Impact
After completing her medical degree, Adejuyigbe’s early professional years were spent in clinical practice and academic service at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC). She began as a consultant paediatrician — a role that exposed her to the complex realities of child health in low-resource environments. Over time, she refined her focus on neonatal health, infant feeding, and paediatric infectious diseases, areas where healthcare gaps were especially pronounced.
Her clinical work was complemented by a strong research portfolio that addressed some of the most challenging dimensions of child health. Adejuyigbe became widely published and cited for research that combined empirical rigor with cultural and contextual sensitivity — particularly studies exploring community beliefs, practices, and their implications for neonatal care. An example is her influential paper, “Why not bathe the baby today?”, a qualitative investigation into thermal care beliefs and practices across multiple African sites. This study illuminated how deeply ingrained local beliefs could shape neonatal outcomes, and pointed to culturally informed pathways for improving care practices.
Her research portfolio also includes work on infant feeding practices, especially among vulnerable populations like HIV-positive mothers, and studies examining community perceptions of neonatal illness in rural southwestern Nigeria. Such contributions have not only enhanced scientific understanding but helped inform public health strategies for newborn care — a testament to her commitment to evidence-based and socially grounded medical research.
Adejuyigbe’s influence extended well beyond Nigeria. She became involved with international advisory structures, serving on expert groups for organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Her roles included participation in global guideline development processes related to outpatient settings and maternal-newborn health recommendations — a reflection of her respected position at the intersection of clinical expertise and global health policy.
Academic Leadership at Obafemi Awolowo University
Before ascending to national prominence, Adejuyigbe consolidated her leadership credentials at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she progressed through academic ranks to become a Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health. In addition to her professorial duties, she held key administrative roles including Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences and Executive Director of the Central Office of Research.
These leadership roles allowed her to shape both curriculum and research infrastructure, contributing to quality improvements in medical education. As Executive Director of the Central Office of Research, she was instrumental in facilitating interdisciplinary research collaborations, mentoring early-career researchers, and promoting institutional support for evidence-informed scholarship.
Her leadership at OAU also included service as Vice-President of the African Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (AfSPID) and co-chair of Nigeria’s National Child Health Technical Working Committee. In these capacities, she worked with diverse stakeholders — including international partners, professional associations, and government agencies — to advance child health policy and practice.
A Historic Appointment: Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED (2025)
In March 2025, a new chapter began in Adejuyigbe’s career. Acting on the recommendation of the University of Medical Sciences Governing Council, the Ondo State Government under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa approved her appointment as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo — making her the institution’s first female substantive Vice-Chancellor.
Her appointment was both symbolic and substantive. Symbolically, it represented a break from a male-dominated leadership lineage in Nigerian higher education — particularly within specialised medical institutions. Practically, it heralded a shift toward a vision of institutional growth rooted in research innovation, educational excellence, and community engagement.
Adejuyigbe officially assumed office on July 23, 2025, following the submission of a visitation panel report and formal release of a white paper. Her installation was widely celebrated by institutional stakeholders, including UNIMED’s alumni association.
Vision, Priorities, and Institutional Transformation
Upon assuming leadership at UNIMED, Adejuyigbe articulated a clear and multifaceted vision focused on student-centred learning, research advancement, and technological modernization. She stressed the importance of new pedagogical models, collaborative partnerships, and the strategic deployment of technology to enhance teaching and research.
One of her early priorities was expanding access to high-speed internet and digital infrastructure across UNIMED’s campuses and hostels. Adejuyigbe argued that such investments were foundational for preparing graduates for the information economy and ensuring that the university remained globally competitive. The planned technology enhancements were intended to support 24-hour access to learning resources, facilitate real-time data exchange, and promote research networking – initiatives that would rapidly transform the campus environment.
Her leadership also emphasised academic excellence and organizational unity. In a New Year message to staff and students in January 2026, she called for unity, innovation, and hard work to sustain and extend the university’s achievements. She challenged stakeholders to view UNIMED as “a project that must thrive, flourish, and blossom” – underscoring that the collective efforts of faculty, students, and administrators are critical to sustainable success.
Navigating Challenges and Upholding Integrity
Leadership at a premier institution is not without obstacles. In late 2025, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at UNIMED filed allegations against Adejuyigbe, including claims of threats against union members. The university management, however, stood firmly with her, dismissing these allegations as malicious attempts to destabilise institutional progress.
The controversy highlighted the complex terrain of academic leadership in Nigeria, where demands for reform and resistance from entrenched interests can collide. Adejuyigbe’s response – supported by institutional management – reaffirmed her commitment to due process, accountability, and institutional values, even in the face of criticism.
Leave a Reply