The Central Office of Research (COR), Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria welcomed the new Executive Director, Prof Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe yesterday August 15, 2024. The close door handover meeting took place at the COR office and had in attendance the Directors of the three units under the Central Office of Research. They are: Prof. Babajide Odu, Dicrector, University Research Office (URO); Prof. Grace Ogunlusi, Director, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office (IPTTO); and Prof. ‘Niran Oluwaranti, Director, Linkages and Partnerships Office (LPO).

During the event, Prof. Morenike Ukpong, the outgoing Executive Director appreciated the three Directors that she worked with and briefed the new Executive Director about the ongoing programmes at the office. She also handed over a comprehensive report of activities of the office in the last one year and promised her support for the new Executive Director whenever she is called upon.

The three directors also appreciated Prof Morenike Ukpong for the impactful year she spent as the Executive Director and wished her the best in her future endeavours.

Prof Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, the new Executive Director is Professor of Paediatrics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and Consultant Paediatrician at the University Teaching Hospital. She was once Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences among other roles she played in the University. She was President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, and the current Vice-President of the African Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases as well as co-chair of the National Child Health Technical Working Committee. Internationally, she has served as a member of several World Health Organisation Guideline Development Committees including Breastfeeding Counselling and STAGED KMC groups. 

In her speech, she appreciated the outgoing Executive Director for her exemplary leadership and her willingness to continue supporting the COR. She expressed her optimism to work with the Directors and stressed on the need for the office to continue on its already impressive path.