From classroom to boardroom: The inspiring lifestory of Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi

Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi is a renowned Nigerian academic, medical scholar, and university administrator whose career spans over three decades in medical education, research, and institutional leadership.

He currently serves as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, recently renamed Yakubu Gowon University, and was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian British University in Abia State.

Profile summary

Name: Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi

Date of birth: 29 September, 1969

Place of birth: Ondo

Education: University of Port Harcourt

Religion: Christianity

Marital status: Married

Career: University Administrator

Background

Hakeem Fawehinmi hails from the Yoruba tribe and was born on 29 September,  1969 in Ondo State, Nigeria.

He began his educational journey with a strong interest in medicine and the human sciences.

He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Anatomy and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) after successful completion of his secondary education.

Driven by his passion for understanding the intersection of human biology and culture, he proceeded to the University of London, where he earned a Master’s degree in Medical Anthropology.

He later returned to his alma mater to pursue and complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Anatomy.

Academic and Professional Career

Prof. Fawehinmi began his medical career in 1992 as an intern at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) assignment at the Nigerian Air Force Clinic, Ilorin, in 1994, he joined the University of Port Harcourt in June 1995 as a Lecturer II in the Department of Anatomy.

His academic excellence and leadership potential saw him rise steadily through the ranks, becoming a Professor of Clinical Anatomy and Biomedical Anthropology in May 2010.

At UNIPORT, he served in various administrative and academic capacities, including:

Head of the Department of Anatomy (2005–2007);

Associate Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (2010–2012);

Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences (2012–2014);

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) (2016–2020).

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Fawehinmi oversaw a period of remarkable academic stability and excellence.

Under his supervision, UNIPORT’s academic calendar ran smoothly, and nearly all undergraduate programmes achieved full accreditation status from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other professional bodies.

Appointments

Prof. Fawehinmi’s reputation for academic integrity and institutional management led to his appointment as the Pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Nigerian British University, a private university in Asa, Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, on February 16, 2023.

The appointment was made by the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Chukwuemeka Umeoji.

In 2025, the 11th Governing Council of the University of Abuja, which has since been renamed Yakubu Gowon University, appointed him as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, recognizing his wealth of experience and commitment to advancing higher education in Nigeria.

Research Contributions and Academic Achievements

Over the course of more than 25 years in academia, Prof. Fawehinmi has made significant contributions to research, teaching, and the training of future medical scholars. His academic portfolio includes:

Over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles;

• 37 conference abstracts
• Three monographs and three book chapters
• Supervision of more than 100 BSc projects, 15 MSc theses, and 13 PhD/MD dissertations

He has also delivered 11 guest lectures and keynote addresses, including the 111th Inaugural Lecture of UNIPORT in 2014 titled “Different Tailors for the Same People; Same Surgeon for Different People.”

His research interests cover clinical anatomy, biomedical anthropology, human morphology, and the standardization of Negroid gross anatomical models, an innovation currently undergoing patent registration.

Prof. Fawehinmi’s scholarly visibility has earned him recognition on global platforms such as ResearchGate and Google Scholar, and he was cited in the 2021 Africa Scientist Rankings by the Alper-Doger Scientific Index.

Professional Memberships

A respected figure in academic and professional circles, Prof. Fawehinmi has held numerous leadership positions, including:

• Secretary-General and Member of the National Executive Council, Nigerian Medical Association (Rivers State Chapter) (1999–2000);
• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Anatomical Sciences
• President, Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (2014–2016).
• He is also a Fellow of several distinguished institutions
• Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland (FRAI)
• Anatomical Society of Nigeria (FASN)
• Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria
• Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria (FAMedS)
• Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (FECAN)

Personal Life

Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi is married to Mrs. Hadeezat Omotayo Fawehinmi, and their marriage is blessed with five children.

Beyond academics, he is known for his humility, discipline, and dedication to mentoring young scholars.

Awards

Prof. Fawehinmi has been recognized with numerous awards for academic excellence and community service.

He was a Research Fellow at the Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London (UCL), and has participated in more than 70 conferences and workshops across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

He has also served as External Examiner and Accreditation Assessor for various medical colleges across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and led NUC and MDCN Visitation Panels to several medical schools.