Adenike Grange, hailing from the distinguished lineage of Pharmacist Robert Adebowale of Commercial Medicine Stores in Lagos, Nigeria, has carved a remarkable path through her lifetime of dedication to healthcare and medical education. Her journey began at St. John's Aroloya Primary School, followed by secondary education at both the Methodist Girls High School in Yaba and St. Francis College in Letchworth, England. In 1964, she proudly graduated from St. Andrews University in Scotland.
Over the span of three decades, Adenike pursued advanced medical education in renowned institutions across the globe, all the while actively engaging in the mentorship and training of medical students, postgraduate medical and dental residents, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. In 1995, her exceptional contributions led her to attain the esteemed position of Professor of Paediatrics at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, where she held various roles, including Head of Department of Paediatrics, Director of the Institute of Child Health and Primary Health Care, and Dean of the School of Clinical Sciences until her retirement in 2005.
Adenike Grange's expertise extended beyond academia, as she served as a consultant for esteemed organizations such as the WHO, UNICEF, and USAID. Her dedication to advancing medical knowledge is evident in her authorship of over sixty publications in peer-reviewed journals.
For approximately two decades, she actively participated in the Union of National Paediatric Societies and Associations (UNAPSA) and the International Paediatric Association (IPA), fostering invaluable global networking opportunities among healthcare professionals from over thirty countries worldwide. From 2002 to 2004, she represented the Civil Society Community on the Board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI).
In a groundbreaking role, Adenike Grange made history as the first female Minister of Health in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, serving under President Yar'adua's Government from August 2007 to June 2008. During her tenure, she championed initiatives such as the creation of the Department of Family Health, proposals for improved funding of Primary Health Care, support for retired nurse-midwives returning to service, and the establishment of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control. She also promoted collaboration between Federal and State Ministries of Health to bridge constitutional gaps in healthcare responsibilities.
Following her government service, she took on the pioneering role of Provost and Chief Medical Director at the Otunba Tunwase Paediatric Children Center in Ijebu-Ode, a private specialist care facility founded by philanthropist Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun. Her leadership resulted in significant improvements in bed occupancy rates and revenue generation before management was transferred to the University of Ibadan and University College Hospital.
Adenike Grange is widely recognized as a staunch advocate for strengthening health systems to achieve Universal Health Coverage, a passion she continues to champion as the current Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Universal Health Coverage Actions Network (NUHCAN). She is also the founder of the Adegrange Child Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to empowering women, children, and youth for the sustainable improvement of child survival, development, and protection.
While retired and residing in the Diaspora with her children and grandchildren, Adenike Grange's legacy continues to shine brightly as a beacon of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare and the well-being of individuals worldwide.