By: Olufadi Balarabe Ayuba, ANIPR.
History was made on January 28, 2025, as Kwara State produced its first female Professor of Veterinary Medicine, who also holds the title of the youngest female professor in Veterinary Medicine in Nigeria: Professor. Nusirat Elelu. This remarkable milestone represents a new chapter for veterinary medicine in Nigeria and a progressive leap for women in academia.
The newly named Professor of Public Health and Preventive Medicine by the University of Ilorin Governing Council is a trailblazer with a distinguished academic and professional career. She is a distinction Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Maiduguri, has a PhD. majoring in Epidemiology from the University of Bristol, UK, and a Fellow of the College of Veterinary Surgeon of Nigeria (FCVSN)- Public Health specialty. Prof Elelu is an alumnus of the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston USA, as well as the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK. She has over 50 top ranking research publications, has supervised several undergraduate and postgraduate students, and presented her research in several international conferences. Over the years, she has built an impressive legacy that bridges academia and public health.
In addition, she has garnered several honours including an Affiliate of the Africa Academy of Science (AAS) amongst others; has won several research grants and also facilitated the donation of a molecular laboratory to the University of Ilorin, a first-of-its-kind facility for the institution, through a grant from the International Foundation for Science, Sweden.
Beyond her academic achievements, Profesor Elelu has made substantial contributions to her community. These include but are not limited to being one of the most outstanding award winning Executive Secretary of the Primary HealthCare Development Agency that the country has produced and also spearheaded Kwara State’s COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Her efforts also extend to empowering women, mentoring young professionals, and advancing maternal and child health through impactful initiatives.
Today’s recognition as the first female professor of Veterinary Medicine in Kwara State and the youngest in Nigeria is not just a personal victory but a major step forward for the state and the country at large. Her achievement inspires hope for the future, proving that barriers can be broken and glass ceilings shattered with resilience, dedication, and vision.
This landmark accomplishment marks the beginning of another chapter in her journey, one that will continue to inspire and shape the future of veterinary medicine and public health in Nigeria and beyond.
