- Renowned U.S.-based physician to advance knowledge transfer and mentorship in Nigeria
The University of Lagos has appointed Olurotimi John Badero, MD, as a Distinguished Fellow and Visiting Professor of Medicine in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Department of Medicine.
The appointment recognizes Prof. Badero’s pioneering work at the intersection of cardiology and nephrology, as well as his commitment to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals in Nigeria and beyond.
Widely recognized as the world’s first and only board-certified interventional cardionephrologist— a rare combination that bridges expertise in both heart and kidney interventions — Prof. Badero has earned acclaim for his clinical excellence, research, and leadership.
A distinguished native of Isonyin, Ogun State, Prof. Badero has achieved a rare academic honour, joining the ranks of eminent scholars. He is believed to be the first Professor of Medicine from Isonyin — a milestone that reflects both personal excellence and a proud moment in the town’s history.
Based in the United States, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Cardiac Renal & Vascular Associates in Jackson, Mississippi. He also serves part-time as Clinical Head and Director of the Interventional Cardiology Program and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals in Lagos, where he continues to innovate and expand access to advanced cardiovascular care in his home country.
The University of Lagos noted that this appointment highlights not only Prof. Badero’s remarkable credentials but also his vision for advancing medical education in Nigeria. His return reflects a growing wave of diaspora health professionals reversing brain drain by investing their international experience into building local capacity and inspiring young physicians to lead on the global stage.
This milestone underscores the critical need for diaspora medical professionals to return and help build Nigeria’s healthcare and academic institutions — and for government and stakeholders to create an enabling environment that encourages such contributions. Prof. Badero’s appointment is expected to spark a wave of similar engagements, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange and national development.
In a statement congratulating him, Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals described the honor as a reflection of his rare blend of clinical, academic, and leadership excellence. “We proudly celebrate Prof. Olurotimi John Badero’s prestigious appointment as Distinguished Fellow and Visiting Professor at the University of Lagos,” the hospital said. “This recognition speaks to his visionary contributions that continue to inspire both local and international medical communities.”
As Visiting Professor, Prof. Badero will mentor medical residents and cardiology consultants pursuing further specialized training in interventional cardiology, foster research collaborations, and help align Nigeria’s medical education with international standards and best practices. His appointment reinforces the potential of diaspora engagement in driving innovation, elevating clinical excellence, and enhancing sustainability in Nigeria’s healthcare and knowledge economy.