From the serene halls of Babcock University to the high-paced demands of the professional world, Oyeronke Oyebanji has remained consistent in one thing—leadership. As a student, she embodied diligence, humility, and vision, combining academic strength with active fellowship life and quiet influence among her peers.

After earning her degree at Babcock, Ronke set her sights on a path many wouldn’t dare: public health leadership at both national and international levels. She began her climb not with fanfare but with purpose, joining the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as Technical Assistant for Policy and Partnerships to the Director-General. There, she played a strategic role in strengthening Nigeria’s public health systems, forging collaborations, and advising on epidemic preparedness.

Her work at NCDC laid the foundation for her next global leap. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, she joined the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and just after was seconded to the COVAX Strategic Coordination Office, working on the frontlines of global vaccine access. Her role? Ensuring that countries like Nigeria were not left behind in the race for COVID-19 vaccines.

Today, she serves as Head of Lassa Engagement (country and regional) at CEPI, where she shapes partnerships that drive equitable vaccine access across West African countries and with global partners. Beyond her professional roles, she is a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidate at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, researching vaccine manufacturing strategies tailored to Africa.

But Ronke is more than a global health strategist... she is a writer, a voice of clarity in times of crisis and believes strongly in creating opportunities for others. Her journey is not just impressive, it is impactful. It reminds us that true leadership is about showing up, speaking up, and standing in the gap. For young women across Africa, for aspiring Babcock students, and for every voice that feels too quiet to matter, Oyeronke Oyebanji’s story says this: you can lead, and you can do it with purpose!