By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo
The pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Professor Friday Okonofua, has been inducted into the United States of America National Academy of Medicine.
According to a statemet by University Public Relations Officer, Isaac Oluyi stated that Prof. Okonofua is the only Nigerian in the 2024 cohort.
The Academy’s 2024 class of newly elected members were inducted at its annual meeting in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 18, 2025 .
The NAM recognises exceptional professional achievement and sustained service that informs clinical practice and health policy.
Prof. Okonofua was recognised for leadership in reproductive health and for large national and international studies that help prevent maternal deaths and guide programmes across African countries.
He leads the African Center of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation at the University of Benin and is also the chairman of Women’s Health and Action Research Centre. (WHARC)
While congratulating the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED on this remarkable achievement, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe said, “this feat is for all of us. Professor Okonofua is a personification of excellence.
“He has demonstrated this in all he has been involved in. As the pioneer VC of UNIMED, he established the culture of excellence which still exists till date. We cannot but rejoice with him as this accomplishment is for all us. Congratulations, our amiable teacher and leader”.
The NAM included many widely known figures in medicine and public health such as Anthony S. Fauci , long-time NIAID director and advisor on major infectious disease threats, and Atul Gawande, surgeon, author, and USAID global health leader. ([NIH Office of AIDS Research)