Campus News

UNILORIN Alumni Spotlight is on Olubunmi Abel (née Babatunde) – Class of 2000!

Dr Olubunmi Abel is an Information Lead at the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, where she applies her expertise in data and information systems to support evidence-based healthcare delivery. She holds a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics, which she completed in 2014 as a part-time student while working at the Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King’s College London.

During her seven-year tenure at King’s College London, Dr Abel made notable contributions to the development of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Online Genetic Database (ALSoD)—an open-source platform offering researchers and the wider public up-to-date genetic information on ALS, a form of Motor Neuron Disease. Her work in this area supported international collaboration and progress in neurogenetic research.

In addition to her professional and academic accomplishments, Dr Abel is a passionate advocate for women in STEM and a dedicated community leader. She was a keynote speaker at the Women in Tech Conference at Landmark University in May 2024, where she shared her journey to inspire the next generation of female technologists. She also serves as President of the Unilorin Christian Union Alumni in Diaspora (UK Branch), promoting faith, leadership, and connection among members.

Dr Abel, a distinguished alumna of the University of Ilorin, has the honour of being the 51st individual to be featured in the UNILORIN Alumni Spotlight series, which commenced on Friday, May 24, 2024. Interestingly, this milestone coincides with the university’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration, taking place from 23rd to 28th November 2025.