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Summary
Professor Nusirat Elelu has made history as the first female Professor of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the University of Ilorin. With a distinguished career in public health, she has contributed significantly to preventive medicine, health policy, and primary healthcare delivery. Beyond academia, she has played a leading role in strengthening healthcare systems in Nigeria, particularly as the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Nusirat Elelu has been appointed as the first female Professor of Public Health and Preventive Medicine in the University of Ilorin as well as the youngest to reach this milestone in Nigeria. This achievement not only reinforces the university’s commitment to academic excellence but also marks a pivotal moment for gender representation in public health and higher education in Nigeria.
Nusirat currently serves as a professor in the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine at UNILORIN’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She holds a fellowship in Public Health from the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria and is affiliated with the Africa Academy of Sciences (AAS). She is also a member of the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) College of Experts.
Nusirat’s extensive career in public health spans more than two decades, during which she has played a vital role in advancing preventive medicine, health policy, and primary healthcare delivery. She earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from UNILORIN before obtaining a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) and a Ph.D. in Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Her academic work has focused on addressing pressing health issues, including infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and healthcare accessibility.
In addition to her contributions to academia, Nusirat has been instrumental in shaping policies and improving medical services in Nigeria. As the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWPHCDA), she has spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing primary healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Her leadership has supported key public health programs, including immunisation campaigns and maternal health interventions, aligning with the state’s broader commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
Her appointment represents a breakthrough for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, reinforcing the importance of gender inclusivity in academia and leadership. She has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and mentorship, encouraging young professionals to pursue careers in medicine and public health.
Her research expertise spans epidemiology, zoonotic diseases, global health, and the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Over the years, she has successfully secured competitive research grants, including funding from the African Research Excellence Fund (2017) and the International Foundation for Science, Sweden (2018 and 2022).
Nusirat’s appointment is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and leadership in public health. As she takes on this new role, she remains committed to advancing research, improving healthcare policies, and mentoring the next generation of public health professionals.
