Cambridge varsity names Igbo-born prof Ijeoma as it’s 7th president

The University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, has appointed Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, Ijeoma Uchegbu, as the seventh President of Wolfson College, one of its 31 colleges.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the spokesman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).

He said Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of NiDCOM rejoiced with her, describing the appointment as well deserved.

Abike said the appointment of Professor Uchegbu did not come to her as a surprise knowing her level of sophistication in the field of research and knowledge.

“Her appointment has further confirmed that there is a reward for hard work and Nigerians abroad are endowed with people of integrity and excellence,” the statement quoted her as saying.

Uchegbu, who will succeed the current President, Professor Jane Clarke, on October 1, 2024, is known for her ground-breaking work in nanoparticle drug delivery.

The Nigerian professor currently lectures at University College London.

Uchegbu was raised in South East Nigeria. She completed her pharmacy studies at the University of Benin in 1981 before attending the University of Lagos to obtain her master’s degree.

After returning to the UK, she studied postgraduate work at the University of London, earning a PhD in 1997. Alexander (Sandy) Florence, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy, supervised her dissertation. From 2002 to 2004, she worked as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde.