LASU Alumnus Named Among QECT 100 Young Leaders 2026

Dr. Adewunmi Akingbola, a graduate of Lagos State University (LASU) College of Medicine, has been honored as one of the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT) 100 Young Leaders Awardees for 2026.

The recognition, commemorating what would have been the 100th birthday of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, celebrates young leaders making significant contributions across the Commonwealth.  

Selected from thousands of nominations spanning 56 countries, Dr. Akingbola has distinguished himself in global health since graduating from LASU in 2023. He earned a fully funded scholarship to pursue an MPhil in Population Health Sciences at the University of Cambridge, where he won the Best Early Career Research Project Award from Cambridge Public Health. He was also one of just 12 scientists worldwide to receive the Passion in Science Prize by New England BioLabs. 

In 2025, Forbes Europe named him to its prestigious “30 Under 30” list in Science and Healthcare. To date, he has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers, reinforcing his commitment to advancing public health. His non-profit initiative, HealthDrive Nigeria, has further strengthened his impact by addressing infectious diseases, particularly viral Hepatitis B.  

Later this year, Dr. Akingbola will receive the QECT award in person at the Palace from His Majesty King Charles III, underscoring the global significance of his contributions.  

LASU has celebrated his achievements, describing him as a shining example of purposeful leadership and a testament to the university’s tradition of excellence.