By Elizabeth Osayande

In a significant achievement for Nigeria and the African continent, Dr. Bolajoko Olusanya, a renowned pediatrician and advocate for disability inclusion, has been elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences, AAS. This prestigious honour recognises her exceptional contributions to the fields of child health and academic research.

Dr. Olusanya’s election is celebrated as a beacon of hope amid Nigeria’s ongoing search for heroes in various sectors. “Her election as a Fellow of AAS is not just a personal triumph; it symbolises the potential that exists within our nation to lead in global health,” said a colleague, who wishes to remain anonymous. “Dr. Olusanya stands as a model for what can be achieved with dedication and passion.”

With a robust academic background that includes a PhD from University College London, Dr. Olusanya specialises in Child Health and Audio-Vestibular Medicine. She has authored or co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles, amassing an impressive 120,000 citations covering various aspects of pediatrics, audiology, and maternal and child health.

Dr. Olusanya expressed her gratitude upon receiving the honuor: “I am deeply honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences. This recognition reinforces my commitment to advancing the health and rights of children, particularly those with disabilities.”

As the Centre Director of the Healthy Start Initiative and Medical Director of First Years Medical Centre in Nigeria, Dr. Olusanya actively engages in transformative research and programmes. Her leadership in pioneering the largest hospital-based and community-based newborn hearing screening programmes in Nigeria has had a profound impact on early detection and intervention practices.

Her advocacy is grounded in her personal experiences with congenital hearing loss, making her work uniquely focused on community-oriented management of developmental disabilities. “If we are to achieve inclusivity in health care, we must prioritise early detection and intervention for children with disabilities,” she stated.

Dr. Olusanya’s role as a co-chair of The Lancet Commission on Hearing Loss further highlights her commitment to global health initiatives. “We need comprehensive strategies that empower health systems to support children with hearing disabilities,” she remarked.

The accolades continue to build for Dr. Olusanya, who was recently listed among the world’s top 2% of highly ranked scientists and has received the 2018 Aram Glorig Award by the International Society of Audiology. “Her work underscores the importance of children’s health in our communities. She is not just a researcher; she is a change agent,” noted a peer in the medical community.

Dr. Olusanya’s election to the AAS is more than an honor; it is a testament to her relentless pursuit of social equity and her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children across Africa.