The Nigerian Academy of Science has appointed Friday Okonofua of the University of Benin as its vice-president.

UNIBEN’s spokeswoman, Benedicta Ehanire, announced the appointment on Wednesday in a statement.

Mr Okonofua is the leader of the university’s Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI) and the director of the World Bank projects in UNIBEN.

The appointment was through a process of nominations by a committee of past presidents of the academy and senior professors across various science disciplines, said the statement.

Out of the 14 eggheads considered in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, Mr Okonofua was appointed at the recent general assembly of the academy.

UNIBEN vice-chancellor Lilian Salami said she was not surprised at the choice, describing the professor as a rare breed and valued asset to the institution and humanity.

She said the professor of obstetrics and gynaecology always demonstrated his unalloyed commitment to advancing people and their well-being and promoting high standards for society.

The new appointee oversees UNIBEN’s Research and Grants Directorate and is the pioneer vice-chancellor of Nigeria’s first University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.

(NAN)