On 19th August 2025, the Directorate of Excellent Merit in Research Achievement (DEMiRA) at the Faculty of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), formally recognized Dr. Oluremi A. Saliu, CEO of the Neglected but Not Dejected Initiative, as the Best Researcher in the Faculty of Health Sciences. The award was presented during the Opening Ceremony of NOUN’s First Annual Research Week, celebrating her exceptional contributions to health research and her outstanding commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in the health sciences.
This prestigious accolade underscores Dr. Saliu’s lifelong dedication to leveraging rigorous research to address critical health and social challenges. While her work spans multiple areas, her efforts to improve the well-being of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria exemplify the practical impact of her scholarship. Her visionary leadership at the Neglected but Not Dejected Initiative has guided programs that raise awareness among government bodies and NGOs, implement evidence-based interventions, and directly improve the lives of vulnerable communities affected by crises such as insurgency, floods, and inter-tribal conflicts.
Dr. Saliu’s research-driven approach has illuminated pressing public health issues, including the high prevalence of malaria among pregnant women and children under five in IDP camps. These insights have informed targeted interventions—provision of anti-malarial drugs, mosquito nets, family planning education, and strategic partnerships with humanitarian organizations—translating research into meaningful, life-saving action.
This recognition by DEMiRA not only celebrates Dr. Saliu’s academic and professional excellence but also affirms the vision of the Neglected but Not Dejected Initiative: ensuring that even those who have been marginalized or displaced are empowered, supported, and given hope through research, advocacy, and impactful interventions.
