Educational/professional background
I studied Medicine (MBBS) and completed a postgraduate clinical training in Psychiatry from the West African College of Physicians (WACP). I also hold two master’s degrees: a) MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health from University of Ibadan, Nigeria and b) MSc Global Mental Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) jointly delivered with King’s College London. I’m a Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry and Global Mental Health at the University of Abuja and an Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.
I have received several professional and academic awards for my work including the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, the Johnson & Johnson Global Mental Health Scholarship, the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Fellowship Award and the Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology (JSPN) Fellowship Award.
What I enjoyed most about studying my programme/at LSHTM
The diversity of disciplinary backgrounds within my cohort was a standout feature, enriching our discussions and debates during lectures and seminars. The blend of perspectives from various fields created a vibrant and dynamic learning environment, where we shared insights and challenged each other’s thinking. I especially enjoyed the modules, “Design and Evaluation of Mental Health Programmes and “Mental Health Economic Evaluation”.
What I have been doing since graduating
Since completing my degree at LSHTM, I’ve continued clinical and research work and received the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) Young Investigator Award (2024) and a Research Fellowship of the International College of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP) (2023). I’m the Co-Principal Investigator of a 40-country research project on the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our paper (COMET-G) from this work receives the ECNP Citation Award 2024 for the most cited research paper published in the European Neuropsychopharmacology Journal in the preceding two years. Also, I’ve founded and lead the Safe Brain Organisation, a non-profit charity with the vision to transform global youth mental health through advocacy, evidence-based policies and culturally appropriate interventions.
Finally, I’ve continued to volunteer as an Alumni Ambassador, directly supporting and mentoring prospective students on their journey to starting a life-changing, world-class education at LSHTM.
Additional information
Overall, studying at LSHTM has been a transformative experience that has significantly enhanced my career trajectory.