Building on years of impactful leadership in data science and innovation, our esteemed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Value-Driven Ownership of Data and Accessibility Network (VODAN) Africa, effective April 8, 2025.
In a news released on VODAN’s website, the renowned academic and data science expert has played a pivotal role in the growth and direction of VODAN Africa since its inception, previously serving as the Executive Director of the organization, formerly known as the Virus Outbreak Data Network. Her appointment as CEO marks a strategic advancement in VODAN’s mission to enable the creation and responsible use of real-time, high-velocity clinical observational patient data from resource-limited communities across the continent.
An accomplished scholar and researcher, Prof. Oladipo is a Professor of Computer Science and a Fellow of the Pan-African Scientific Research Council. She has undergone advanced training in Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, and Data Science from globally respected institutions including the University of Essex (UK), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain), and the University of Oxford (UK)
As the current Vice-Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko-Irese, Prof. Oladipo has exemplified visionary leadership in repositioning the university as a hub of academic excellence, especially within the STEM disciplines. Notably, she spearheaded a strategic partnership with the Kwara State Government to upgrade the Omu Aran General Hospital into a teaching hospital. This initiative not only enhances access to quality medical education but also strengthens healthcare delivery in the region.
Prof. Oladipo’s appointment as CEO of VODAN Africa is more than a personal milestone; it represents a broader affirmation of Africa’s rising leadership in ethical data access, inclusive innovation, and academic excellence. We proudly celebrate this prestigious achievement and remain confident that under Prof. Oladipo’s leadership, VODAN Africa will continue to expand its footprint, impact lives, and champion transformative conversations around data and development, across Africa and beyond.
