The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, has urged young women to embrace hard work, integrity and faith as the foundation for achieving lasting success, stressing that there are no genuine shortcuts to excellence.
Speaking after receiving the Distinguished Leadership Award in Medical Education from Cred 360 Media Ltd, Adejuyigbe urged aspiring female professionals to remain focused on their goals, uphold their values and seek mentorship rather than relying on influential patrons or compromising their dignity.
“You don’t need godfathers, and you don’t need sugar daddies. You don’t need to sell yourself to get to the top. You can work hard, pray hard and get to the top,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor, a Professor of Paediatrics, said young women should never allow gender or temporary setbacks to define their future, noting that determination, resilience and excellence would ultimately open doors to leadership and professional fulfilment.
“There is nowhere you cannot get to in this country. Even if you have experienced setbacks because of your gender, believe that you can still rise and achieve your aspirations,” she added.
She also dismissed the notion that marriage or family responsibilities should hinder women’s ambitions, maintaining that women can successfully combine family life with thriving professional careers.
“A woman can have a successful home and a successful career. Being married should not stop you from becoming whatever God has destined you to be,” she said.
Adejuyigbe urged young women to cultivate meaningful mentorship relationships, remain committed to excellence and trust in God’s guidance, insisting that integrity, diligence and perseverance provide a more enduring path to success than seeking favours or shortcuts.
She also lauded journalists for highlighting positive stories and recognising excellence, saying such recognition motivates institutions and public servants to strive for higher standards of service and inspires others to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Cred 360 Media Ltd, an integrated media, public relations and advertising firm based in Ibadan, presented the award in recognition of Adejuyigbe’s outstanding leadership and contributions to medical education. Present at the ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Oyetunde Oyeyemi; the Deputy Registrar (Vice-Chancellor’s Office), Mr. Akin Owaboriaye; the Senior Assistant Registrar (Vice-Chancellor’s Office), Ms. Opeyemi Awani; and the Head of the Directorate of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Isaac Oluyi.
