Johannesburg, South Africa – September 30, 2025

The Pan African University (PAU) proudly celebrates the achievements of two of its distinguished alumni from the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI), University of Ibadan, Nigeria, who were spotlighted during the just-concluded Women Leaders in Higher Education (WLHE) Summit 2025, held from 24–25 September at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Vice Rector of PAU, Prof. Bolanle Idowu Akeredolu-Ale, delivered a keynote address titled “Empowering African Women Leaders in Higher Education: Driving Innovation and Excellence for a Sustainable Future.” At the Summit, she was warmly introduced to Mr. Musa Jaiteh (The Gambia) and Mr. Ratif Abdulai (Ghana) - two PAULESI alumni who are making remarkable contributions at the University of Johannesburg.

Mr. Musa Jaiteh, an MSc Reproductive Health graduate of PAULESI and current PhD candidate in Public Health at the University of Johannesburg, has distinguished himself through groundbreaking research integrating machine learning algorithms into HIV testing models. His doctoral work has already yielded six first-authored peer-reviewed articles, multiple international conference presentations, and prestigious awards, including the Best Oral Presentation at the Big Data National Health Science Conference 2025. Musa also serves as a mentor and community health advocate, embodying PAU’s mission to produce impact-driven leaders. He reflected:

“PAU gave me the foundation to think beyond borders and tackle Africa’s challenges with innovation and resilience.”

Mr. Ratif Abdulai, a PAULESI alumnus with expertise in Mineral Exploration, has equally built a strong reputation as a promising scholar and professional. His research and academic contributions at the University of Johannesburg reflect his commitment to advancing Africa’s scientific and educational development. He noted:

“My PAU experience taught me that excellence and relevance in research go hand in hand. I am proud to carry that vision forward in my academic and professional work.”

The conference also featured Prof. Sarah Agboh, former Commissioner of Human Resources, Science and Technology of the African Union, who delivered a keynote address on “Women’s Transformative Leadership in Higher Education: Sustaining Excellence and Advancing Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want.” She highlighted the role of women leaders in shaping Africa’s higher education sector and ensuring that the aspirations of Agenda 2063 are translated into tangible results.

In her remarks, Prof. Akeredolu-Ale emphasized the urgency of empowering African women in higher education leadership, highlighting mentorship, innovation, and collaboration as vital drivers for a sustainable future. She noted that the recognition of PAU alumni at such a high-profile continental platform is a testament to the University’s role as a flagship African Union institution shaping transformative leaders for the continent.

The WLHE Summit 2025, held under the theme “Sustaining Leadership Excellence: Women Shaping the Future of Higher Education,” brought together senior leaders, policymakers, and education advocates. The recognition of PAU alumni at the Summit further affirmed PAU’s growing visibility and impact in producing leaders who are driving meaningful change across Africa and beyond.

“When African women rise in education, we don’t just change classrooms - we change the world,” Prof. Akeredolu-Ale reminded participants in her closing remarks.