Unizik DVC, Ikechebelu, elected Fellow, Academy of Medicine Specialties

Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Nnamdi Azikwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has been elected Fellow of Foundation of Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ikechebelu, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Expert and Gynaecological Endoscopy Surgeon, was recognised for his outstanding contributions to medicine specialties.

NAN also reports that the letter conveying Ikechebelu’s election by President of the Academy, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, was made available to newsmen on Sunday in Awka.

Ashiru was quoted to have said in the letter that Ikechebelu had made outstanding achievements and honorific contributions in Medicine specialty and, therefore, deserved to be elected fellow, a rare privilege for academics and medical practitioners.

According to Ashiru, Ikechebelu will be inaugurated in Lagos on July 29 at a special ceremony to be witnessed by Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.

He said that deputy vice-chancellor had fulfilled all the requirements set out by Board of Trustees of the Academy and was, therefore, found fitting to be so honoured.

NAN reports that Ikechebelu holds a degree in Medicine and Surgery and post-graduate degrees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Minimal Access Surgery (Gynae Endoscopy) and Human Reproduction (In-Vitro Fertilisation) from University of Nigeria and other medical institutions in Nigeria and abroad.

He is also a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Expert, Gynaecological Endoscopy Surgeon and Chairman and Chief Examiner, Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West African College of Surgeons.

He is the pioneer President, Association of Gynaecological Endoscopy Surgeons (AGES) of Nigeria.

Aside from pioneering the establishment of operative laparoscopy surgery, Ikechebelu has trained more than 300 medical doctors (consultants and residents) in endoscopy surgery as course director of the premier endoscopy training facility in Nigeria: Life Institute for Endoscopy.

He is considered the father of in-vitro fertilisation in Anambra, with the establishment of Assisted Reproductive Technology Services in the state.

Ikechebelu is reputed to have delivered more than 300 babies through in-vitro fertilisation at Life Fertility Centres of Specialist Hospital Nnewi and Life International Hospital, Awka. (NAN)