Driving change through Healthcare and Entrepreneurship

Adewunmi Akingbola
Adewunmi is a recipient of the Quantedge – Cambridge Refugee Masters Scholarship in 2023.
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His ambition is to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system by deepening his knowledge through a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Population Health Sciences. Combining his background in Medicine and his interest in entrepreneurship, Adewunmi has initiated two non-profit organisations dedicated to enhancing vaccine uptake and combating the spread of infectious diseases.

Tell us more about yourself.

Medicine holds my heart while entrepreneurship engages my mind. I am passionate about a medical career path, and am also deeply involved in start-ups related to healthcare and fintech, as  I thrive on the challenges of learning and growth.
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Adewunmi’s graduation from medical school at Lagos State University

Why did you choose to pursue an MPhil in Population Health Sciences, and what are your post-graduation plans?

I am keen to address the inherent challenges in the Nigerian healthcare system by acquiring expertise in population health sciences. I aspire to become a Physician-Scientist specialising in Infectious Diseases, Immunology, and Microbiology. After graduation, I plan to work with the United Kingdom Health Security Agency or similar agencies to strengthen my scientific skills, before pursuing a clinical residency position. 

You founded both HealthDrive Nigeria and Antigen HQ. Can you share more about these two organisations and your involvement in them?

HealthDrive Nigeria, founded in 2018, is a non-profit project aimed at combating infectious diseases in Nigeria by providing free diagnostic tests (for viral hepatitis B, HIV and malaria) and highly subsidized hepatitis B vaccinations.

Antigen HQ, aimed at enhancing vaccine uptake in Africa, particularly among children under five years old, is currently on pause due to financial constraints. 

Through these ventures, I’ve learned the importance of financial capability in driving  sustainable impact.
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One of HealthDrive Nigeria’s free Hepatitis B screening and highly-subsidized Hepatitis B vaccination campaigns.
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A Viral Hepatitis and Sustainable Development Goals awareness walk by HealthDrive Nigeria and SDGsACT at Lagos State University.

What is your motivation for doing all the work that you have done for Nigeria?

My love for Nigeria drives my commitment to reshaping its healthcare system. The loss of my mother in 2020 further deepened my resolve to contribute significantly to building a resilient healthcare system in Nigeria. ​

You have won several awards and are in a few fellowships. Out of everything, what is your proudest achievement so far?

My proudest achievement is winning the Diana Award*, which validates my commitment to social impact work and recognises my efforts thus far.

*Editor's Note: Set up in memory of the late Princess Diana, the Diana Award is often regarded as the most prestigious accolade for young individuals in social and humanitarian work.

What advice would you give to fellow refugees / young people from similar backgrounds?

While certain circumstances may be beyond our control, our preparations are not. Dreams become reality when preparation meets opportunity. Let us focus our energy on nurturing purpose, and developing our capabilities across various domains. 
"Dreams become reality when preparation meets opportunity. "
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