The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, has said recognising excellence in leadership and service inspires individuals and institutions to strive for greater accomplishments and make meaningful contributions to society.

Prof. Adejuyigbe stated this after receiving the Cred 360 Distinguished Leadership in Medical Education Award, presented by Cred 360 Media Limited in recognition of her contributions to medical education, institutional development and academic leadership.

Cred 360 Media Limited, a full-service media, public relations, and advertising agency, is based in Ibadan. Present during the presentation of the award were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor [Academic], Prof. Oyetunde Oyeyemi; the Deputy Registrar [VC’s Office], Mr. Akin Owaboriaye; Senior Assistant Registrar [VC’s Office], Ms. Opeyemi Awani; and the university’s Head of the Directorate of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Isaac Oluyi.

Expressing appreciation for the honour, the vice-chancellor said she was initially surprised when she received the notification of the award and asked the university’s Public Relations Office to verify the organisation behind the recognition.

She said she was impressed by Cred 360 Media’s commitment to due diligence and its focus on identifying and celebrating outstanding individuals making meaningful impact in their respective fields.

“When I first received your letter, I asked my Public Relations Officer to find out more about your organisation. I wanted to be sure you were people who value professionalism and keep to your word. I am happy that you have demonstrated those qualities,” she said.

According to Adejuyigbe, recognising outstanding performance motivates recipients to sustain excellence while encouraging others to pursue impactful service.

“Recognition inspires excellence. When people are acknowledged for doing the right thing, it encourages them to do even more. It also motivates others to strive for excellence because they know that their efforts are being noticed,” she said.

She noted that while wrongdoing often attracts widespread publicity, society should deliberately celebrate positive achievements capable of inspiring others.

“If people who are doing the wrong things receive attention, then those making positive contributions deserve to be celebrated too. Recognition encourages more good work and contributes to national development,” she added.

The vice-chancellor also commended journalists who invest time and resources in producing accurate and balanced reports, describing responsible journalism as an essential pillar of national development.

She praised the Cred 360 Media team for travelling to Ondo to present the award in person, saying the gesture reflected professionalism and commitment to factual reporting.

“Good journalism is not easy. Some people simply make phone calls, rely on hearsay and publish stories without verification. Your decision to travel all the way here and witness events firsthand demonstrates your seriousness and commitment to responsible journalism,” she said.

Adejuyigbe prayed for the continued growth of Cred 360 Media Limited, urging the organisation to sustain its efforts in promoting excellence and development-oriented journalism across the country.

“I pray that God will continue to prosper your organisation, give you greater visibility and reward your commitment to recognising people who are making a positive impact in society,” she said.

The Cred 360 Distinguished Leadership in Medical Education Award was presented in recognition of Prof. Adejuyigbe’s leadership in advancing medical education, promoting research, strengthening healthcare training and enhancing the profile of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.