Nigerian parasitologist
, FAS NPOM (born in Ekiti State, Nigeria), is a Professor of haematology and former Director of the Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. She specializes in human genetics, bioethics and molecular genetics related to hereditary blood diseases such as sickle-cell disease and alpha-thalassemia.
She studied Chemistry at the University of Ibadan (UI). She proceeded to move from Chemistry to Haematology (blood study) at the College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan where she received her M.Phil in 1981 and PhD in 1986.
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Chemistry is a science that is applicable to many fields of life because it is analytical. I had always wanted to do research. When I was in Queen’s School, there was a day I went to the lab after school hours and was mixing chemicals, I almost blew up the lab. I put water into acid instead of the other way round. I was disciplined by my principal the next day. I have always had penchant for wanting to find out things.
I got many awards along the way, notable among them was L’OREAL UNESCO Outstanding Woman of Science in 2001. The award took place in Paris and it was one woman per continent. There I was told to raise champions and bring more women up. That has been my passion and that is what I have been working on. When I retired in 2010, from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, I took up the challenge of looking after sickle cell patients in my own way with the assistance of professionals. I retired without blemish. Even now, I still have a vibrant laboratory at the College of Medicine where I still do my research work. I still get grants to do research.
While still in UCH, one day, my director, Prof Tomori, told me to translate my research to the community so I would leave the lab and run to Yemetu and Adeoyo hospitals to tell them about what they can do, that was how I started. Later, Dr Obembe and I formed Sickle Cell Association of Nigeria (SCAN). We were going to churches and organisations to create awareness about sickle cell disorder. When I retired from UCH, I could not continue using SCAN, that was how SCHAF started. We have expanded the scope from awareness alone to “make prevention by making,” Know Your Genotype (KYG), a point of care today.