Cambridge Varsity Announces Prof. Ijeoma Uchegbu as 7th President
The University of Cambridge has named a Nigerian Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu, a distinguished expert in Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, as the 7th President of Wolfson College, one of its esteemed 31 colleges.
The official announcement was conveyed through a statement titled, “Wolfson Elects Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu as the College’s 7th President,” on the University’s website.
Scheduled to take office on October 1, 2024, Professor Uchegbu will succeed the current President, Professor Jane Clarke. Recognized for her groundbreaking contributions in nanoparticle drug delivery, Professor Uchegbu is presently affiliated with University College London.
The statement reads, “We are delighted to announce that Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu, a groundbreaking nanoscientist, has been elected as Wolfson’s seventh President. Professor Uchegbu, a renowned expert in Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, will assume the role on October 1, 2024, succeeding Professor Jane Clarke.”
Professor Uchegbu’s impactful research has focused on drug transport mechanisms, resulting in the development of innovative treatments with the potential to revolutionize pain relief. Notably, her work includes the enkephalin pain medicine candidate (EnveltaÔ), addressing the opioid crisis.
Accolades, fellowships, and positions on esteemed academic boards, including the Wellcome Trust and the Academy of Medical Sciences, underscore Professor Uchegbu’s distinguished career.
Additionally, she has contributed significantly to research partnerships in Africa and the Middle East and served as UCL’s Provost’s Envoy for Race Equality.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Professor Uchegbu stated, “I am thrilled to be joining Wolfson College, an ambitious and forward-thinking institution. Leading such a vibrant and diverse student community is an honor, and I eagerly anticipate contributing to their cultural, social, and intellectual growth.”
Current President, Professor Clarke, congratulated Professor Uchegbu, remarking, “If she finds being the leader of the ‘Wolfpack’ half as rewarding as I have, then I can assure her that she will enjoy herself immensely.”
Professor Uchegbu’s academic journey, which began in South East Nigeria and Hackney, includes completing pharmacy studies at the University of Benin in 1981, a master’s degree from the University of Lagos, and a PhD from the University of London in 1997. Notably, she was supervised by Alexander (Sandy) Florence, the Dean of the School of Pharmacy.
Her commitment to education continued with a lecturing role at the University of Strathclyde from 2002 to 2004. Professor Uchegbu’s diverse experiences reflect a dedication to advancing pharmaceutical sciences and fostering inclusive academic environments.
