By Abubakar Imam
Prior to the emergence of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili (1954-2014) as its Director-General, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was largely unnoticed by the Nigerian public. It was the late Anambra State-born academic and administrator who redefined its role and transformed it into an extremely impactful federal government agency.
Prof. Akunyili achieved this feat through consistent dedication, integrity and relentless fight against counterfeit drugs. This gave her a dignified space in the nation’s annals.
A similar transformation is currently unfolding in Kwara State, where Prof. Nusirat Elelu has reshaped the operations of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KWSPHCDA). Since her appointment as Executive Secretary five years ago, the agency has experienced remarkable growth, gaining credibility and enhancing healthcare delivery across the State.
Before her appointment, KWSPHCDA was relatively obscure but under her leadership it has evolved into a recognised and respected institution. Her contributions were recently acknowledged by the Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba, Ilorin, Prof. Baba Awoye Issa, while speaking as the Chairman of the 2025 Ramadan Lecture of the Ilorin Emirate Staff Association, University of Ilorin. Prof. Issa’s position synchronises perfectly with the general positive public opinion about this beautiful daughter of Ilorin.
Inspired by her alluring personality and infectious achievements, I felt compelled to write this piece to celebrate her 45th birthday, which coincides with Sunday, April 6, 2025 and to mark her elevation to the exalted rank of Professor by the authorities of the University of Ilorin.
Let me say that my assessment of Prof. Elelu’s personality revealed to me more of her fascinating attributes. Some of which are not reflected in her intimidating curriculum vitae.
Prof. Elelu is very humble, joyful, generous, friendly, and officious. She is also a very patriotic and industrious person.
Born on Sunday, April 6,1980 in Bauchi, where her parents were then based, Prof. Elelu hails from Ile Olufadi in the Alanamu Quarters of Ilorin. Her father is Engr Adamu Olufadi, a renowned chemical engineer, who retired from the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). Engr Olufadi is also a former President of the Ilorin Anchor Men and Women.Prof. Elelu’s mother is Alhaja Zainab Olufadi, who hails from Alfa Raji Compound also in Alanamu. Alhaja Olufadi is a retired teacher and community leader who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies Education from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Little Nusirat began her education at the Command Children School, Bauchi. She was trained at the school from 1987 to 1991. She was also educated at the Federal Government Girls’ College, Bauchi, from 1991 to 1997.
In 1997, this illustrious daughter of Ilorin was admitted into the prestigious University of Maiduguri, Borno State, for her first degree in Veterinary Medicine. She completed her training with Distinction and was consequently inducted as a Veterinary Doctor in 2005.
Prof. Elelu was further trained at the University of Ibadan from where she earned her Master’s degree in Public Health with specialisation in Field Epidemiology. She earned Ph. D. in Epidemiology from the prestigious University of Bristol, United Kingdom in 2016.
Prof. Elelu equally attended the School of Health, Sports and Bioscience, University of East London, United Kingdom for her postdoctoral training and as a visiting lecturer between 2017 and 2019. She was also awarded the highest professional qualification in Veterinary Medicine as a Fellow in Public Health Specialty by the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria (FCVSN).
This hardworking amazon is also an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard School of Public Health, USA, as well as the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom, having, at various times, attended several courses.
Prof. Elelu’s professional journey began as a member of the National Youth Service Corps at Guards Brigade Clinic, Presidency in 2005 where her excellent service delivery earned her the prestigious NYSC Honours Award. She later joined NUDAMS Consult Limited as a researcher before taking up a role as Assistant National Project Coordinator at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. She was a laboratory teaching and postgraduate Note-Taker at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, between 2012 and 2016.
Prof. Elelu transitioned into the academic profession when she joined the services of the University of Ilorin in 2010 as a Lecturer II. She rose through the ranks and was ultimately promoted to her present status in 2024 following the consistent satisfactory discharge of her core duties of teaching, research, and community service.
In 2020, this hardworking academic was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the KWSPHCDA by His Excellency, the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON. She has recorded substantial impacts to the benefit of the government and the good people of Kwara State.
As the Executive Secretary of KWSPHCDA, Prof. Elelu’s experience in health system strengthening has played a key role in repositioning primary healthcare in Kwara State. This has assisted in achieving sustainable and quality healthcare to the vulnerable population at the grassroots.
Her leadership has earned the state several honours, awards and funding. She has no fewer than ten of such awards to her credit, including the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) Award for the Best Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge Award in North-Central Zone in 2022 and 2023/24. She was also honoured with the Rotary International Award for the Best Executive Secretary in Nigeria on Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), among others.
Apart from her prime position at KWSPHCDA, Prof. Elelu has also served as a Member of the National Council on Health. She equally served as Chairman/Member of several Health Committees. She was also the Chairman, Kwara State Technical Working Group for COVID-19 Vaccine Introduction, among others.
At the International level, Prof. Elelu was invited to address the British House of Lords, United Kingdom in 2020. She is currently serving as a Member of the African Research Excellence Fund (AREF) College of Expert. She has also been serving on UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Talent Panel College since 2023 and is an affiliate of the Africa Academy of Science (AAS).
As a staff of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Elelu was the Head, Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine from 2018 to 2019. She was equally the Postgraduate Coordinator of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Member of the University of Ilorin Postgraduate School Board. She equally served as a Member, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Ethical Review Committee and the Faculty’s Journal Editorial Board, among others.
As a mark of her resourcefulness, Prof. Elelu set up the first of its kind molecular epidemiology laboratory at the University of Ilorin. This was done with the funds, which she attracted from the International Foundation for Science, Sweden.
Her research contributions are extensive with over 51 well-researched articles published in reputable local and international journals. She has also participated in several academic conferences within and outside Nigeria, expanding her influence in the fields of epidemiology and public health.
Aside from the above, Prof. Elelu is a Member of several professional bodies. These include the American Public Health Association (APHA), the College of Veterinary Surgeon of Nigeria, the American Society for Microbiology and the International Society for Infectious Diseases. Others are the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, among others.
This multiple award winning public health expert is a founding member of the Ilorin Women Association (IWA). She equally holds the distinction of being the first female Professor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ilorin Emirate. She is also likely to be the youngest member of the Ilorin Emirate Professors’ Association (IEPA). She is also the first female Professor of Veterinary Medicine from Kwara State.
Prof. Elelu is happily married to Mr Oladimeji Elelu, a seasoned and topshot banker. The marriage is blessed with promising children.
Despite her numerous accomplishments, Prof. Elelu remains humble and approachable. Her amazing fluency in English, Yoruba (Ilorin dialect) and Hausa reflects her cultural and intellectual versatility. Colleagues and students alike speak highly of her kindness, respect for others and strong interpersonal skills. Her inclusive leadership style and unwavering dedication to service make her an exemplary role model for young professionals and aspiring scholars.
Prof. Elelu’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, dedication and service to humanity. As she celebrates her 45th birthday, her impact continues to inspire many within and beyond her professional circles. Her contributions to academia, public health and community development will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.
On this special occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to her and wish her continued success in all her endeavours.
Imam is National Secretary, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union.
