Bosede Bukola Afolabi is a distinguished Nigerian gynaecologist whose career spans clinical practice, research, and academia. Born in London, England, Afolabi returned to Nigeria in her early childhood. She pursued her medical education at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, graduating in 1992. This early foundation in Nigerian medical education, provided Afolabi with a unique perspective that would later inform her global approach to obstetrics and gynaecology.
Her pursuit of excellence led her to the University of Nottingham, U.K., where she earned a Doctor of Medicine (DM) degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. In 2016, she obtained a Certificate in Biostatistics and Epidemiology from the Harvard T.Chan School of Public Health in Boston, U.S. Additionally, she holds a diploma from the Foundation for the Advancement of International Medical Education and Research, USA, further solidifying her expertise in medical education and research.
Bosede Afolabi’s medical career began in the United Kingdom, where she served as a Senior House Officer (SHO) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at various hospitals. In 1998, she made the decision to return to Lagos, Nigeria, bringing her expertise back to her home country. Her skills and dedication were quickly recognized, leading to her appointment as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in 2002, a position she continues to hold.
In her clinical practice, Dr. Bosede Afolabi specializes in managing high-risk pregnancies, performing gynaecological surgeries, and addressing a wide range of reproductive health issues. She is known for her emphasis on evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care, ensuring that her patients receive the best possible treatment. Her compassionate approach and dedication to patient well-being have positively influenced countless lives.
Beyond practice, Professor Bosede Afolabi’s have significantly advanced the field of maternal and reproductive health with her research contributions. Her studies focus on critical areas such as improving pregnancy outcomes, reducing maternal mortality, and enhancing women’s overall health. She has published numerous research articles in reputable medical journals, sharing insights on topics such as prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum health.
One of her most notable research projects is the “Intravenous Versus Oral Iron for Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Pregnant Nigerian Women (IVON)” study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This project, running from November 2020 to October 2023, involves 10 hospitals in Lagos and Kano States and aims to recruit 1,056 pregnant women diagnosed with anaemia.
Professor Bosede Afolabi is also internationally recognized for her research in sickle cell pregnancy, and her interests extend to maternal and fetal medicine, minimal access (laparoscopic) surgery, and medical education. She has also participated in international cohort studies, including research related to COVID-19 and surgery, collaborating with researchers worldwide. Her work has been widely cited in international research studies, contributing significantly to the global scientific community.
Consequent to her research contributions, she has attracted international recognition and fostered significant collaborations. The $2.5 million research grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation not only funds her IVON study but also facilitates international collaborations with universities in the US and Europe. This grant also supports local capacity development by sponsoring junior faculty for postgraduate training.
Professor Bosede Afolabi’s administrative astuteness is evident in her role as the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital. In this capacity, she plays a crucial role in shaping the department’s policies, curriculum, and overall direction. She oversees research initiatives within the department, ensuring that faculty and residents engage in impactful studies. In addition, she is the founder and chairperson of the Maternal and Reproductive Health Research Collective (MRHRC), a research and training NGO, and also the Director at the Centre for Clinical Trials, Research and Implementation Science (CCTRIS).
Her administrative responsibilities extend to mentoring junior faculty, coordinating clinical rotations, and organizing educational programs. Afolabi’s leadership facilitates collaboration with other institutions and funding agencies, enhancing the department’s research capabilities and educational offerings.
Throughout her career, Professor Bosede Afolabi has received numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions to healthcare and research. Some notable accolades include:
- In 2021, she was awarded a Special Recognition Award by the Physician of The Year Award Committee for her commitment and dedication to healthcare in Nigeria.
- In November 2022, she received the “Excellence in Research” award from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Nigeria (SOGON).
- Earlier in her career, she received the Professor JB Lawson prize and the Dr. Majekodunmi prize as the best candidate in the part II fellowship exam of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, as well as the best overall candidate in the same exam in 2001.
These awards reflects Professor Bosede Afolabi’s significant impact on the field of obstetrics and gynaecology, both in Nigeria and internationally.
In conclusion, Professor Bosede Bukola Afolabi’s career reflects dedication, excellence, and innovation in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. From her early education in Nigeria to her international collaborations and research breakthroughs, Professor Afolabi has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing maternal and reproductive health. Her work continues to impact countless lives, especially through her advocacy for safe childbirth practices, promotion of family planning, and efforts to raise awareness about women’s health, all of which contribute to healthier communities. Her research, clinical practice, and patient-focused approach collectively improve maternal and reproductive health outcomes in Nigeria and beyond.