Igbinedion University alumnus sets African record, earns PhD in Oncology Nursing at 29

Nigeria’s premier private university, Igbinedion University Okada, has recorded another remarkable academic milestone as one of its alumni, Dr. Chisom Odii, emerged as Africa’s youngest PhD holder in Oncology Nursing after earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nursing with a specialization in Symptom Science and Gynecologic Oncology from University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Odii, who graduated from the Department of Nursing at Igbinedion University in 2020, completed the prestigious doctoral programme with distinction at the age of 29.

His achievement makes him the youngest male scholar in Africa to obtain a doctorate in Nursing and the first PhD holder produced by the university’s Department of Nursing.

The accomplishment has been celebrated as a testament to the quality of education, mentorship, and research culture fostered at Igbinedion University. Dr. Odii had earlier distinguished himself as the Best Graduating Student in Nursing in 2020, a feat that laid the foundation for his rapid rise in the healthcare and academic sectors.

Following his graduation, he successfully obtained professional nursing licensure and practised in the United Kingdom for two years before relocating to the United States to pursue advanced studies.

His academic journey reflects the international relevance of the training he received at Igbinedion University, which equipped him with the clinical expertise, research skills, and leadership qualities necessary for success on the global stage.

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His doctoral studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a globally recognised institution renowned for groundbreaking contributions to cancer research and healthcare innovation, focused on advancing knowledge in cancer symptom management and health equity.

Dr. Odii’s research explored cancer-related symptoms among gynecologic cancer patients, with particular attention to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a common and often debilitating side effect of cancer treatment.

His work also examined the role of social determinants of health in influencing symptom severity and access to quality care.

Experts believe the findings could contribute significantly to the growing field of precision symptom science, helping healthcare providers develop more effective interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of patients undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancers.

Throughout his doctoral programme, Dr. Odii maintained an impressive academic record, producing more than eight peer-reviewed publications, conference abstracts, and earning several national and international awards.

His scholarly productivity has attracted attention to Igbinedion University’s Nursing Department and reinforced its reputation as a breeding ground for globally competitive healthcare professionals and researchers.

Speaking on his achievement, Dr. Odii described the PhD as more than a personal academic accomplishment, emphasizing its broader significance for healthcare advancement and social impact.

“This PhD represents not just an academic milestone but a commitment to bridging gaps in cancer care, especially for underserved populations. By focusing on symptom science and health equity, we can develop interventions that truly transform patient outcomes in gynecologic oncology,” he said.

He also highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to embrace evidence-based governance and strengthen its research infrastructure through reliable data collection systems.

According to him, the absence of comprehensive and accurate data on key health indicators continues to hinder effective policy making in the country.

“It is unfortunate that data-driven policymaking has yet to become the norm in our society. We still lack reliable figures on deaths, births, and key health indices for large segments of the population. Social determinants often drive mortality far more than genetic factors alone,” he noted.

Dr. Odii further advocated the development of modern database systems linked to Nigeria’s National Identification Number framework to support healthcare planning, governance, and research.

He expressed willingness to collaborate with government authorities, particularly in Ebonyi State, to establish comprehensive data systems capable of driving evidence-based decision-making.

“I call on the government to fully embrace data science and artificial intelligence and to increase funding for research that translates into tangible improvements for our people,” he added.

Reacting to the development, the Head of the Department of Nursing Science at Igbinedion University, Dr. V.M. Ugeh, described Dr. Odii as a shining example of the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and professional development.

She noted that his emergence as the department’s Best Graduating Student in 2020 had already signaled his exceptional potential, adding that the university’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, research, and professional competence prepared him for success in international nursing practice and advanced academic pursuits.

According to her, Dr. Odii’s achievement serves as a source of inspiration to current students and demonstrates that graduates of Igbinedion University can excel and compete favourably anywhere in the world.