By Esther Samson
Professor Friday Okonofua, MD, PhD, FRCOG, is a distinguished academic and global health leader with an illustrious career in obstetrics and gynecology. As a Professor Emeritus at the University of Benin, Nigeria, and the Director of Grants and Research, his contributions to women’s health and medical research are profound and far-reaching.
A Fellow of prestigious institutions such as the Nigerian Academy of Science, the African Academy of Sciences, and the USA National Academy of Medicine, Professor Okonofua has garnered international recognition for his expertise and commitment to improving healthcare. He has played an instrumental role in shaping global health policy, including serving as the Executive Director of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics and as the Honorary Adviser on Health to President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.
Professor Okonofua’s leadership extends beyond the academic and clinical domains. He was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor at the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo State, Nigeria, and he currently holds the position of Secretary-General of the African Academy of Sciences, and Vice-President of the Nigerian Academy of Science. His extensive network and roles in high-level academic and governmental circles underscore his influence and dedication to advancing science and health in Africa and beyond.
As a prolific researcher and author, Professor Okonofua has contributed over 380 journal articles, book chapters, and books to the field. He has secured 46 international research grants, further cementing his reputation as a champion for women’s health and reproductive rights. In addition to his scholarly achievements, he is the founder of the Women’s Health and Action Research Centre, a leading Nigerian NGO focused on improving women’s health outcomes.
Professor Okonofua is also recognized for his editorial work, having served as the founding editor of the African Journal of Reproductive Health, which earned acclaim as “the best journal in Nigeria that meets international standards” by the National Universities Commission in 2005. He continues to contribute to the academic community as a member of the editorial boards of prominent journals, including the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.
With his lifelong commitment to advancing healthcare and his leadership in global health initiatives, Professor Friday Okonofua stands as a pillar of excellence in the medical community, driving positive change for women’s health across the globe.
