Prof. Okonofua is the leader of the university’s Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI), as well as the director of World Bank Projects in the University.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Prof. Friday Okonofua of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has been appointed vice president of the Nigerian Academy of Science.
The university’s spokesperson, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, announced the appointment on Wednesday in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.
Prof. Okonofua is the leader of the university’s Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI), as well as the director of World Bank Projects in the University.
The appointment, Ehanire said, was through a process of nominations by a committee of past presidents of the academy and senior professors across various science disciplines.
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The spokesperson noted that out of the 14 eggheads considered in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, Okonofua was appointed to the exalted position at the recent general assembly of the academy.
According to her, the vice-chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof Lilian Salami, said she was not surprised at the choice, describing the professor as a rare breed and valued asset not only to the varsity but to humanity.
Salami also said that the professor of obstetrics and gynaecology has always demonstrated his unalloyed commitment to the advancement of people and their wellbeing as well as the promotion of high standards for society.
The new appointee, who also oversees the university’s Research and Grants Directorate, is the pioneer vice-chancellor of Nigeria’s first University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State.