Ogochukwu Okoye is a nephrologist who recently completed her PhD at Edinburgh Napier University. She is passionate about preventing chronic kidney disease and improving the outcomes of patients in Nigeria living with the condition. Ogochukwu has received a 2025 Alumni Excellence Award. Keep reading to learn more!

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How does it feel to receive an Excellence Award?

“I feel truly honoured and humbled to receive an Excellence Award. To be recognised for my modest achievements and contribution feels really rewarding. It validates all my hard work and dedication over the years. I’m very grateful for the endorsement of Edinburgh Napier University and for this opportunity to inspire future students.”

Ogochukwu at graudations

Tell us more about your career journey.

“I am a nephrologist and clinical educator from Nigeria. My research interests cover the epidemiology of kidney diseases, especially the association of toxic environmental exposures with kidney disease.

“I obtained my undergraduate medical degree in 2003 and spent the subsequent years working as a resident doctor. Since 2010 I have been based at Delta State University and Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria where I helped establish the nephrology unit. I was made a full professor in 2023 which was a very proud moment for me.”


Have you always been interested in working in healthcare?

“Traditionally in my country those who did well in school would naturally consider medicine as a career as it was deemed the top profession. This was my main motivation at first, but as I began to explore the subject more, it became clear to me how impactful medicine could be.”


What brought you to Edinburgh Napier to study a PhD?

“As a physician I traditionally wouldn’t need a PhD to progress in my career, but I am very interested in research. That is why I also lecture at the university attached to the hospital where I work.

“I always endeavour to grow in what I do, and this includes my research outputs. My primary goal was to see my research published in high-impact journals and to be the recipient of research grants. However, to achieve this I knew I needed additional training specific to research. That’s where the idea to do a PhD came from.

“Having previously studied at a university in England, I was keen to study at another UK university. Edinburgh Napier advertised a PhD opportunity investigating environmental exposures and non-communicable diseases, of which kidney disease is an example, so it was good match.

“My final research topic looked at the risk of developing chronic kidney disease for communities living near petrochemical plants in Nigeria.”

You graduated in 2024. What have you been up to since then?

“After finishing my PhD, the opportunities opened up – I am almost running away from them!

“At the institution where I work, I was recently made the inaugural Director of a new Research and Grants Unit. Additionally, I have joined the University Postgraduate Committee where I represent my faculty, and I was also involved in drafting the curriculum for the clinical PhD programme which was launched last year. Keen to retain my connection to Edinburgh Napier University, I was honoured to be given visiting professor status at ENU.

“One of my main motivations for undertaking a PhD was to be able to secure international grants to undertake research. Shortly after finishing my studies, I received a grant to further the work of my PhD and I am currently undertaking the fieldwork for that. I have also published six papers related to my thesis, including one in the British Medical Journal.”


You are the founder of a non-profit, can you tell us more about that?

“I am founder of St Linus Renal Care Initiative, a non-profit organisation with a vision to improving the lives of people living with chronic kidney disease in Nigeria.

“In Nigeria, you have to pay for healthcare out of pocket. This means that many people can’t afford it which has devastating outcomes. For years I have had patients come into the hospital who die because they can’t afford treatment. I know what their diagnosis is, but they can’t be treated. It is very depressing.

“This led me to establish St Linus Renal Care Initiative in 2016. On one hand we raise funds to support people who cannot pay for their treatment. But we also look at prevention as this is more effective, and cheaper, than a cure. I disseminate information about kidney health, and I also carry out free screenings for local communities.

“My time at ENU imprinted on me the importance of impact. It’s always been important, but now it rings in my ears from the start of any activity. This has led me to policy work. After returning to Nigeria after studying I discovered that the cost of dialysis had doubled! Even less people could now afford treatment and dialysis units on the ward were empty.

“I knew I needed to do something. To cut a long story short, I shared my recommendations on how to improve this situation with my network, and I got invited by the Commissioner of Health. He asked me to chair a committee to advise the government on how to reduce the cost of dialysis. I’m delighted to say that the Government took our recommendations on board and reduced the price of dialysis by more than a half!”
What advice would you give to the Class of 2025?

“Whatever it is you want to do, make sure you’re interested enough in the subject because you will need to self-motivate for most of your journey.
Work hard, consistently and with resilience, and remember to take a step back and reflect. Be the one to identify your gaps before anyone else does and then work to fill them.”

Alumni Awards

The Edinburgh Napier Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of the University’s global community and showcases the value and impact of their Edinburgh Napier education.

Published October 2025