By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Dr. Ijeoma Akunyili, daughter of the late Nigerian public health icon, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has been appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Jersey City Medical Center in the United States, marking a historic milestone for the institution.
With the appointment, Dr. Akunyili becomes the first Black physician to head the medical operations of the hospital since its establishment in 1882. Her emergence is being widely celebrated as a significant achievement in leadership, diversity and excellence in healthcare.
Jersey City Medical Center is one of the largest and most prominent hospitals in New Jersey, serving a diverse population and playing a critical role in emergency care, research and medical education. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Akunyili will oversee clinical governance, patient safety, quality of care and medical staff affairs.
Dr. Akunyili’s appointment has drawn attention in Nigeria and across the diaspora, not only for its historic nature but also for its symbolic connection to her late mother, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who was globally respected for her leadership in public health.
Prof. Dora Akunyili, who served as Director-General of Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and later as Minister of Information, was renowned for her courageous fight against counterfeit drugs and her commitment to public service. Her work earned her international recognition and numerous awards, and she remains a celebrated figure in Nigeria’s public health history.
Observers say Dr. Akunyili’s rise in the U.S. healthcare system reflects both professional merit and the enduring legacy of service associated with the Akunyili family.