In a historic appointment, Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu, a Nigerian-born expert in Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, has been named the 7th President of Wolfson College, a prominent constituent college of the University of Cambridge.
The announcement comes as Professor Uchegbu is set to take on the prestigious role on October 1, 2024, succeeding the current President, Professor Jane Clarke.
Currently holding the position of Professor in Pharmaceutical Neuroscience at University College London, Professor Uchegbu brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to her new role.
Hailing from South East Nigeria and Hackney, her journey in academia began with pharmacy studies at the University of Benin in 1981. She later pursued her master’s degree at the University of Lagos.
Encountering infrastructure limitations in Nigeria, Professor Uchegbu could not complete her doctorate in the country. Upon returning to the UK, she immersed herself in postgraduate studies at the University of London, culminating in a PhD in 1997 under the guidance of Alexander (Sandy) Florence, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
Her academic journey continued with a stint as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde from 2002 to 2004, showcasing her commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences and education.
The appointment of Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu as the President of Wolfson College not only marks a significant milestone for her but also underscores the global recognition of Nigerian talent in academia.
Her diverse academic background and experience position her as a valuable leader in the prestigious academic community of the University of Cambridge. The transition to her new role is eagerly anticipated, and her presidency is expected to contribute to the continued excellence of Wolfson College.