Professor Adiebonye Eunice Jumbo-Abinye: A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Professor Adiebonye Eunice Jumbo-Abinye is a distinguished scholar and leader in health and bioinformatics, with an accomplished career bridging academia, public service, and the private sector.
She is a Professor of Health Informatics with degrees and certifications in AI and Public Health. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics from Rutgers University, complemented by three M.S. degrees in Medical Informatics, Public Health, and Clinical Epidemiologyand Health Services Research from the State University of New York and Weill Cornell Medicine. She also earned a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Herbert H. Lehman College, alongside advanced postgraduate training in Applied Generative Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science, and Information Technology Infrastructure Library in the United States.
With over a decade of leadership in academia and industry, Professor Adiebonye Eunice Jumbo-Abinye is a tenured Associate Professor at the State University of New York Health Sciences University, an Adjunct Professor at the Metropolitan College of New York, United States, and a Visiting Senior Lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, Nigeria.
She is also an accomplished Author, Researcher, and Journalist. Her leadership extends beyond academia, as Vice President of Education for the Nigerian-US IT Network and past Presiding Officer of the School of Health Professions at the State University of New York. She is an active member of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Way Forward Think Tank, the Ibani-Se Community, and INC–The Americas. She served as Secretary-General of the National and Chapter of the Ijaw Women of America (2018–2023). She is also a member of the American Medical Informatics Association in the United States.
Professor Adiebonye Eunice Jumbo-Abinye combines her academic influence with entrepreneurial leadership as President and CEO of AdieTalkRadio, a Pan-African station under AdieTalk Voice and Impact Incorporated, based in the United States, which amplifies the voices and cultural contributions of the Ijaw people and African communities worldwide. She currently serves as the Distinguished Woman Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) U.S. Chapter and as a Faculty Senator at the State University of New York Health Sciences University.
INTERVIEW
1. Launch of AdieTalk Radio: What inspired you to launch AdieTalk Radio, and how do you envision it impacting the Nigerian diaspora?
AdieTalk Radio, a division of AdieTalk Voice and Impact Incorporated, was founded out of a strong passion for amplifying African voices and creating a global platform for the stories of innovation, culture, and empowerment to thrive. In this view, the African diaspora, especially the Nigerian community, is rich in talent, creativity, and resilience, yet often feels disconnected from meaningful dialogues originating from the African continent. AdieTalk Radio aims to bridge this gap by sharing our own stories. The station is not merely an online station; rather, it is a movement dedicated to celebrating identity, showcasing culture, fostering knowledge exchange, and building socio-economic collaborations across borders. Through music, interviews, and thought-provoking conversations, the station will connect Africans in the diaspora with developments at home, providing an authentic voice for Africans worldwide.
The use of health informatics has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery not only in Nigeria but across Africa. Data is the most valuable asset in any organization or institution. By integrating data systems, improving electronic health records, and promoting evidence-based decision-making, we can enhance disease surveillance, patient safety, clinical outcomes, and service coordination. Digital health tools such as telemedicine, telehealth, data analytics, and mobile health apps can help close the urban-rural gap and enable healthcare providers to make timely, data-driven interventions. When implemented effectively, health informatics builds a foundation for transparency, accountability, and better health outcomes both nationally and across Africa.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing global healthcare, and I’m particularly excited about its potential in diagnostics, predictive analytics, and public health planning. AI can help detect diseases like diabetes, cancer, or cardiovascular conditions early by analyzing medical images and patient data. It can also assist in natural-language processing of clinical notes to improve record accuracy, or in designing chatbots for patient education and remote triage. In Nigeria, AI can make healthcare more proactive, personalized, and accessible, especially in under-resourced regions.
As a woman in STEM, I believe that representation and mentorship are crucial. My advice to young women is to be bold, curious, and persistent. Don’t wait for permission to lead; it is essential to create your own opportunities. Seek out mentors, commit to continuous learning, and never underestimate the power of collaboration. It is also vital to understand that STEM is not just about technology; it involves problem-solving, creativity, and making an impact. As women, we offer unique perspectives that drive innovation, and the world needs that balance now more than ever.
My academic and public service background significantly influences my political philosophy. I believe in the importance of evidence-based decision-making, transparency, and inclusive governance, principles strongly emphasized in academia and also essential in politics. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) offers a platform for pragmatic leadership based on ethics and community service. I approach leadership as both a scholar and a reformer, dedicated to implementing policies that empower youth and women, improve education, and strengthen public institutions.
Effectively engaging the Nigerian diaspora requires a multi-channel strategy. Utilizing AdieTalk Radio platforms, community dialogues, and virtual forums will enable us to create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and investment. Diaspora professionals bring invaluable expertise in various fields, including technology, education, and business. Our goal is to connect them with initiatives that can directly impact development in Nigeria, whether through partnerships in innovation, philanthropic efforts, or support networks for entrepreneurship. Participate in open dialogues that offer solutions to the many challenges affecting lives in Nigeria.
Bioinformatics is one of the most promising fields in biomedical science, often referred to as the “from bench to bedside” process. It enables us to decode genetic information and gain new insights into disease mechanisms, drug repurposing and responses, as well as population health. Key areas, such as genomic sequencing for hereditary diseases, pathogen surveillance, and computational modeling of epidemics, hold enormous potential for Africa. By investing in bioinformatics, Nigeria has the opportunity to become a regional hub for biomedical research and innovation.
First and foremost, our youth are the leaders of tomorrow, so empowering them is critical. To achieve this in Nigeria, we must invest in education that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Establishing innovation hubs, mentorship programs, and digital skills training centers can help close the employability gap. Additionally, youth empowerment requires creating an ecosystem where young people can transform their ideas into viable businesses with access to both private and public funding, as well as support from networks and policies.
Effective leadership requires vision, empathy, integrity, and the courage to make tough decisions. I believe leadership is not defined by titles —whether as a brother or sister, a tribe member, or a master —but by the commitment to serve, listen, inspire, and guide others toward a common goal. I develop these qualities by remaining dedicated to learning, holding myself to high ethical standards, surrounding myself with diverse thinkers, and mentoring emerging leaders who will carry on this important work long after us.
AdieTalk Radio is aspiring to expand its reach by developing mobile apps, launching podcasts, and forming strategic partnerships with both African and international broadcasters. We plan to introduce educational programs, diaspora roundtables, and a series focused on youth innovation. Ultimately, AdieTalk Voice and Impact Incorporated aims to evolve into a multimedia platform in the United States that informs, educates, and inspires by amplifying African voices across continents and shaping the narratives that define us as a continent and our future.
