“Every child is a promise, and paediatrics is the art of keeping that promise alive.” — Prof. Ikenna Kingsley Ndu

By Amaechi Agbo

Born on the year Nigeria-Biafra Civil War ceased, the life of Professor Ikenna Kingsley Ndu has been remarkable particularly in shaping life, new-borns and humanity.

On 29^th May, 2025, this erudite scholar will mount the ESUT College of Medicine Auditorium to deliver the university’s 47^th Inaugural Lecture. A role model, humble and unpretentious, Prof Ndu will be dissecting the topic: “From Cradle To Crisis: Advancing Paediatric Survival In Our Challenged Healthcare Landscape”

Professor Ndu has devoted his career to paediatrics, rising through the academic and clinical ranks. He is currently serves as Professor of Paediatrics at the Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT) and Consultant Paediatrician at ESUT Teaching Hospital, a position he has held since 2013.

His clinical experience spans several institutions, including the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, where he trained as a resident doctor from 2005 to 2012. He also held various medical officer positions in Abuja between 1996 and 2001, including stints at the State House Clinic, Abuja (NYSC), INEC Headquarters, the Raw Materials Research and Development Centre, and the National Hospital.

A seasoned academic and researcher, Professor Ndu has contributed significantly to the field of paediatrics through scholarly publications, mentorship, and conference presentations. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed articles and authored or co-authored several books. His research impact is reflected in his Google Scholar metrics: 1,741 citations, an h-index of 23, and an i10-index of 37. He has supervised three fellowship dissertations and served as an external examiner at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

 In 2022, he delivered the Guest Lecture at the 11th ESUCOM Induction Ceremony and currently serves as Editor and Adviser to the Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Practice.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Professor Ndu has been actively involved in university administration. He is currently the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Medicine and previously served as Acting Head of the Department of Paediatrics (2020–2022). In 2024, he was appointed Chairman of the Health Research Ethics Committee at ESUT Teaching Hospital.

Professor Ndu’s expertise has also informed national health policy and training. He has served as a National Trainer for various Federal Ministry of Health programmes, including Paediatric HIV/AIDS training, the Essential Newborn Care Course, and the Programmatic Management of Tuberculosis in Children in Nigeria.

He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN)—where he served as Secretary of the Sub-Committee on Emergency Paediatrics from 2018 to 2023—the Society of Emergency Medicine Practitioners of Nigeria, the Nigerian Society of Neonatal Medicine, and the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom.

Professor Ndu’s distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to paediatric health, academic excellence, ethical leadership, and national service.

The 47^th Inaugural Lecturer will bring to the fore, his year’s of service, teaching, mentoring, moulding on Thursday, May 29^th when he is going to share his rich experience with the university community and the larger society during the lecture.

It is important to note that while Professor Ikenna Kingsley Ndu is the 47^th Lecturer in ESUT, he will be the 5^th Inaugural Lecturer in the College.

The Lecture will hold at the ESUT College of Medicine, ESUCOM Auditorium, Parklane, Enugu staring by 11am.

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