UNIMED pioneer VC inducted into US National Academy of Medicine

From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

The pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) Ondo, Professor Friday Okonofua, has been inducted into the United States of America National Academy of Medicine.

According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Isaac Oluyi, the Academy’s 2024 class of newly elected members were inducted at its annual meeting in Washington, DC, on Saturday, 18th October 2025.

Prof. Okonofua, according to the statement, is the only Nigerian in the 2024 list of honorees.

The statement reads, “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 Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation at the University of Benin and he’s also the chairman of Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC).”

While congratulating the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED on the remarkable achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, said, “This feat is for all of us. Prof. Okonofua is a personification of excellence. He has demonstrated this in all he has been involved in.”

“As the pioneer Vice-Chancellor 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 of us.”