By Ikenna Nwokedi
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof. Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu today turns 57.
The Abagana-born (Njikoka LGA) erudite scholar, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, FAMedS, is a renowned fertility expert and Gynaecological endoscopic surgeon per excellence with over 200 scholarly publications in reputable national and international journals. He is listed in the Scopus First 500 scholars in Nigeria and among the first 10 academics in UNIZIK based on article citations and publications.
Prof. Ikechebelu pioneered the establishment of Assisted Reproductive Technology Services in Anambra State in 2010 with the delivery of its first In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) conception (aka Baby Joseph) on 6th August, 2011. Today, he has delivered over 400 babies from this Technology at Life Fertility Centres of Life International Hospital, Awka and Life Specialist Hospital, Nnewi.
Prof. Ikechebelu with his Team has trained over 300 Doctors (including Gynaecologists, Surgeons, Anaesthesiologists and Medical Officers) and over 40 Peri-operative Nurses in the field of Minimal Access Surgery.
He is also the initiator of Always Life Fountain Initiative (ALFI) since 2012. Through this organization, he offers scholarships to school children, indigent University Students and support to widows.
Prof. Ikechebelu is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria and holds the membership of notable societies and associations including International College of Surgeons, World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons, European Society of Human Reproduction & Embryology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine. The University Don is also the pioneer President of Association of Gynaecological Endoscopy Surgeons (AGES), Nigeria.
His outstanding achievements besides his numerous awards and recognitions include his sterling performance as Director of Academic Planning (2019-2021) and Dean of Medicine (2012-2014) of the University which earned him the accolade ‘Digital Dean’ for his innovative digital transformation of the Faculty of Medicine and Academic Planning Unit of the University respectively.
Prof. is a quintessential administrator and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, UNIZIK. He is married to Associate Professor Ngozi Joe-Ikechebelu with five lovely children.
