Nigerian Radiologist Makes History with Triple International Recognition

Dr. Akinola Odedeyi’s groundbreaking research and academic excellence bring global honor to Nigeria

In an unprecedented display of medical excellence that has brought international recognition to Nigeria, Dr. Akinola Odedeyi, a consultant radiologist, has achieved a remarkable triple crown of academic and professional honors that underscores the caliber of Nigerian medical expertise on the global stage.

A Journey of Unlikely Victories

Dr. Odedeyi’s remarkable year began with what he describes as a moment of divine intervention. When the European Society of Radiology announced its call for applications for the prestigious Exchange Fellowship in Cancer Imaging, a program that selects just one radiologist worldwide from a global pool of applicants, Dr. Odedeyi initially dismissed the opportunity.

“When I first saw the call for applications, I dismissed it. How could that one person possibly be me?” Dr. Odedeyi reflected in his announcement. However, encouraged by his mentor’s wisdom that “you lose all the chances you don’t take,” he decided to apply for the highly competitive fellowship.

Three months later, Europe came calling. Dr. Odedeyi was selected as the sole global awardee of the 2025 Oncologic Imaging Fellowship by the European Society of Radiology, the European School of Radiology, and the European School of Oncologic Imaging. The fellowship will see him training at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, Germany, under global leaders in cancer imaging.

From Local Excellence to National Recognition

Dr. Odedeyi’s success story gained momentum when he was selected for the African Leadership Training in Oncology Research (ALTOR) Program, a highly competitive initiative spanning four African countries; Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia. From hundreds of applicants, only 19 early-career cancer researchers made the cut, with Dr. Odedeyi being among just five Nigerians selected for this prestigious, U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded initiative.

The ALTOR program, designed to shape Africa’s next generation of cancer research leaders, represents more than just professional development for Dr. Odedeyi. “For me, this is more than a fellowship, it’s a commitment to advancing cancer research, building capacity, and creating solutions that matter for Africa and the world,” he stated.

Crowning Achievement: Best Medical Brain in Nigeria

The pinnacle of Dr. Odedeyi’s remarkable year came with his recognition as the “Best Medical Brain in Nigeria” for 2024/25, a prestigious award that saw him ranked first among 786 medical specialists from 17 teaching hospitals across the country.

The journey to this national recognition was rigorous and multi-staged. Beginning at the local level at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), one of Nigeria’s most competitive teaching hospitals, Dr. Odedeyi’s research dissertation competed against submissions from every department. His work advanced through multiple rounds of evaluation, including review by eminent national panels who assessed entries independently and blindly.

Dr. Odedeyi’s winning research focused on a critical health discovery: the ‘thin-outside-fat-inside’ phenomenon, where lean-looking individuals carry dangerous internal fat around the kidneys, creating hidden stroke risks. This groundbreaking research demonstrates the potential impact of African medical research on global health understanding.

Scientific Impact and Recognition

The significance of Dr. Odedeyi’s achievements extends beyond personal accolades. His research addresses crucial health disparities and contributes to the growing body of evidence that African researchers are producing world-class, disruptive science. The award ceremony, held on February 11, 2025, and powered by Shalina Healthcare, a multinational pharmaceutical company operating in 26 African nations, highlighted the importance of supporting African researchers in making global contributions to medical science.

“To every young scientist working on a crashing laptop or an overlooked dataset: Your work can shake rooms. This one did!” Dr. Odedeyi encouraged in his announcement, embodying the spirit of mentorship and inspiration that characterizes his approach to medical excellence.

Looking Forward

As Dr. Odedeyi prepares for his fellowship training in Munich, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the world-class medical talent emerging from Nigeria. His journey from initial self-doubt to international recognition illustrates not only personal perseverance but also the potential for Nigerian medical professionals to lead global conversations in healthcare innovation.

Dr. Odedeyi’s achievements come at a crucial time when the world increasingly recognizes the importance of diverse perspectives in medical research, particularly in addressing health challenges that disproportionately affect developing nations. His work bridges continents, connecting African healthcare needs with European training excellence, while his research addresses universal health concerns.

With plans to share insights from his journey and provide guidance to aspiring medical professionals, Dr. Odedeyi represents a new generation of Nigerian medical leaders who are not content with local recognition but are determined to make their mark on the global stage.

His message to young professionals resonates beyond medicine: “Don’t disqualify yourself. Sometimes the ‘impossible’ is just one application away.”

Dr. Akinola Odedeyi’s story continues to unfold as he prepares for his fellowship in Germany, carrying with him not just personal ambitions but the hopes and pride of a nation that continues to produce world-class medical talent.