Recognized by WHO/TDR Global as one of the Top 15 Women Globally leading in Tropical Diseases Research
Professor Jacqueline Azumi Badaki
WHO/TDR Global advocate for Nigerian Women in Science, Technology, and Innovation
Professor Jacqueline Azumi Badaki is a leader whose impact goes far beyond academia. She has consistently translated knowledge into systems change, community empowerment, and sustainable public health solutions across Nigeria and beyond.
At the core of her leadership is a rare ability to bridge research and the real-world. While many researchers remain within laboratories and focus on publication metrics, Professor Badaki has built her career around ensuring that scientific outputs directly impact lives. Her work on building the capacities of health workers and patients across Nigeria demonstrates this clearly.
Through multiple projects funded by organizations such as the World Health Organization, she has not only studied disease patterns but also designed community-based interventions that have been adopted across endemic regions. For instance, her involvement in the development of community-directed interventions (CDI) in nine countries across Africa has helped reshape how health programs are delivered, placing communities at the center of healthcare delivery.
One of her most defining leadership qualities is her commitment to inclusive systems transformation. Early in her career, she identified a critical gap: women in conservative settings were often excluded from public health interventions. Rather than accept this, she challenged the system, providing actionable insights that dramatically increased female involvement in disease control efforts—fundamentally improving program reach and effectiveness.
Within academic institutions, Professor Badaki has pioneered postgraduate programs in Applied Parasitology and Entomology at the Federal University Lokoja, and established structured mentorship programs that have enabled goal-driven attitudes among students and staff. She is not just solving today’s problems but building a generation capable of tackling tomorrow’s challenges.
As the first female Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) at Federal University Lokoja, she has influenced university governance, strategic planning, and program development. As the pioneer Director of the university’s Zoo and Conservatory, she has integrated conservation, education, and research into a single platform, reflecting her interdisciplinary mindset and long-term vision for biodiversity.
Despite the challenges of building a career in a resource-limited setting, Professor Badaki has consistently secured competitive grants from TETFUND, the World Health Organisation, and international agencies, delivering measurable outputs. In 2021, she was recognized as one of the top 15 women globally leading in tropical diseases research by WHO/TDR—a testament to her ability to thrive in highly competitive global spaces.
Through the Jacqueline Azumi Badaki (JAB) Foundation, she continues to expand her impact, addressing mental and reproductive health among vulnerable populations. Her ongoing research on the intersection of parasitic diseases with conditions such as HIV and cervical cancer positions her at the forefront of next-generation public health challenges in Africa.
Current Research
Exploring the Social and Economic Impact of Filarial Lymphoedema on Gender in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria.
Research Focus & History
- Landscape analysis of women scientists in infectious disease research.
- Community-based home management of Lymphoedema in central Nigeria.
- Epidemiology, local perception, and diagnosis of Wuchereria bancrofti.
- Independent post Mass Drug Administration Surveys.
Distinguished fellowship recognized for significant contributions to the field of zoology in Nigeria.
Recognized by World Health Organization / TDR as an expert in combating Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Co-author of multi-country study on Community-Directed Interventions (CDI). The work influenced community-based health delivery systems across Africa.
Impact & Professional Membership
- Global Citations: 2,162+ across academic research platforms.
- Research Output: 37 peer-reviewed publications in parasitology, public health, and entomology.
- Scientific Reviewer: Journals including PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Journal of Public Health, and Nigerian Journal of Parasitology.
- Professional Bodies: Member of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria and the Canadian Network for Tropical Neglected Diseases.
Academic Leadership & Teaching
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Federal University Lokoja (2012–Present)
• Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) (2025–Present)
• Pioneer Director, Zoo & Conservatory (2023–2025)
• Chairman, Mentorship Committee (2023–Present)
• Pioneer Head, Department of Zoology (2021–2025)
• Head, Department of Biological Sciences (2017–2021)
• Chairman, Tree Planting Committee [2018]
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Adekunle Ajasin University
• Head of Department (2010–2012)
• 11 years of teaching and supervision of undergraduate students.
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Research & Strategic Leadership
• Principal Investigator: Multiple projects funded by WHO, TETFUND, and NGOs (2000–Present)
• Independent monitor on WHO/APOC funded projects across Nigeria (1999–2008)
Consultancy
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Lead Consultant, Sightsavers International (2014–2022)
Role: Leading research and strategic health programs across Nigeria.
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Lead Consultant, PATHS2 (2016)
DFID UK Affiliate
Role: Health systems planning and strengthening.
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Consultant, Amen Health Foundation (2021)
Role: Strategic health advocacy and foundation support.
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Consultant / Independent Monitor / Researcher (1999–2008)
WHO/APOC Programs
Role: Monitoring and evaluation of sustainability for CDTI programs across multiple Nigerian states.
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Consultant, Ministry of Higher Education, Sudan (2008)
Role: Training senior academic staff on grant-winning proposal development.