A Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience Ijeoma Uchegbu known for her ground-breaking work in nanoparticle drug delivery, has been announced as the 7th President of Wolfson College, one of of the University of Cambridge.
She is set to assume the role on October 1, 2024, succeeding the current President, Professor Jane Clarke.
Brief profile
Presently serving as a Professor of Pharmaceutical Neuroscience at University College London (UCL), Professor Uchegbu hails from South East Nigeria and Hackney. She initiated her pharmacy studies at the University of Benin in 1981 and pursued her master’s degree at the University of Lagos. Facing infrastructure challenges, she couldn’t complete her doctorate in Nigeria.
Upon returning to the UK, she engaged in postgraduate studies at the University of London, culminating in a PhD in 1997 under the supervision of Alexander (Sandy) Florence, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy. Following this, she worked as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde from 2002 to 2004.
Research into drug transport mechanisms
Professor Ijeoma’s groundbreaking research into drug transport mechanisms has not only led to the development of innovative treatments promising a transformation in pain relief but has also given rise to the enkephalin pain medicine candidate, EnveltaÔ™, designed specifically to address the challenges of the opioid crisis. Her visionary leadership and extensive academic experience position Professor Ijeoma to significantly influence the future of the college.
She has previously advocated for the establishment of a diverse and inclusive educational environment, fostering an atmosphere where individuals from various backgrounds can flourish.
Professor Ijeoma’s outstanding work has garnered numerous awards, fellowships, and accolades. She holds esteemed positions on various academic boards and councils, including the Wellcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences. Additionally, she serves as an honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. During her tenure at UCL, she played pivotal roles, serving as Pro Vice Provost for Africa and the Middle East, establishing new research partnerships, and as UCL’s Provost’s Envoy for Race Equality, actively advancing the organization’s race equality agenda.
Responding to her appointment, she said “I am so thrilled to be joining Wolfson College, an ambitious and forward-thinking College. It will be an honor to lead such a lively, diverse, and engaged student community in an environment where people are stimulated culturally, socially, and intellectually. I look forward to working with the Governing Body, staff, and students to help realize their ambitions and potential.”
Cambridge University believes her appointment will usher in a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge that promises valuable contributions to the growth and development of both the college and its students.
In addition, her leadership is set to cultivate a research-intensive atmosphere that nurtures innovation and critical thinking.
According to reports, her unwavering commitment to community engagement and inclusivity seamlessly aligns with the core values of the university.
Up Nigeria.Ibos are something else.May God continue to bless them.Brain drain continues unabated in Nigeria.So sad.
I am so impressed by the intellectual, leadership and indeed, professional qualities of this lady. Given the right environment, the sky is indeed the limit for Nigerians. We are all over the world advancing and enhancing the cultural, social and intellectual qualities of other nations but ours. The challenge here is how to create the enabling environment in our own country to be able to catapult our society into the 21st century. This lady is a credit to the black race and a credit to womanhood. God be with you Sis.
Create the right environment, don’t sit on your behind and wait for it to be “given” to you…
Congratulations to our dear sister and to all Nigerians.
Indeed, the problem with our country is not the people but the system. As Edward Demmings put it, when the majority of the people are doing the wrong thing, the problem is not with the people but the system, to paraphrase him. We may not have properly identified the system but I think it is cultural; our collective craze for money aka mammon worship. This malaise is across the board, in all sphees of life including, unfortunately, even the church. When wr stop gloryfing money, no matter its source, then shall we arise unto true greatness. But it shall happen… Nigeria is called to greatness, by Him who calls and is able to do it. Even God Almighty. Hallelujah 🙌 forevermore.
Sorry dude, but where “MAJORITY of the people are doing the wrong thing”, the problem lies squarely with the people. A “system” (whatever that means) is only as workable as the people working it. NIGERIANS are the WORST thing to happen to Nigeria!!
A slap on the faces of racists who think nothing good can come out of the dark continent. Thank you for proving the biased critics wrong. Thank you for making us proud. You will be remembered in south east Nigeria and beyond. In highly reputable institutions like Cambridge it is possible to make the sky your limit.
Well done Ljeoma, we will continue to lift you up in prayer before the god you served. May he continue to give you knowledge far beyond your expectation. You have done well and done us proud as Africans and carribbean. Stay strong, stay focus. We are praying for you daily.
Btw, the headline should more properly read as “7th president in one of Cambridge’s 30 colleges (Wolfson College)”.
Congratulations ma God blessings your country too
Love that you have chosen this subject ..I hope to can resolve one of the multiple issues with certain drugs
Congratulations our dear sister for the honour to your birth place in the south east. This shows the quality we have. Kudos!!
Congratulations to you Mamma, May God continue to Bless you and give you more strength to carry out this mission to the greatest height. I am so impressed 😮 for your ambition. I wish to be like you one day 💞💞💞💞
This is indeed a great milestone for Nigerians and an indication of Nigerians’ ability to adapt to new environments and contribute positively without discrimination or bias.
Nigerians are naturally gifted with an excellent intellectual ability that endeared them among different Nations.
Our prayer is to provide a conducive and enabling environment within the Country for the betterment of our fellow citizenry.
God bless Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu!
God bless Nigerians!!
God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Am lost for the right words. But I can only say congratulations to this colossus. We love you dearly and highly proud of you!
Congratulations to you my dear sister for making us proud. Your achievement is for every Nigerian woman. This is very encouraging. Keep the flag flying God bless