Professional Profile
Professor Gregory Efosa Erhabor is a preeminent Nigerian physician, researcher, educator, clinician, global-health contributor and humanitarian who has dedicated over four decades to advancing respiratory medicine across Africa. Born on 26 July 1957, he served as a Professor of Medicine at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and as a Consultant Chest Physician at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC).
His career integrates clinical excellence, academic leadership, research innovation and public-health advocacy — particularly in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis and lung health in Africa.
Early Days & Academic Pursuits
Prof. Erhabor had his primary education at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Port Harcourt, Holy Cross Benin and Holy Cross Lagos. He proceeded to Edo College, Benin City, and then to the University of Ibadan, where he studied Medicine and Surgery, graduating in 1981.
In 1983 he began Residency Training in Respiratory Medicine at OAUTHC, becoming a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians and a Consultant Chest Physician in 1989. He won the highly competitive British Thoracic Fellowship Award — selected from over 70 applicants worldwide — training at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, UK (1993–1995). He rose to the rank of Professor in 2004.
The First Chest Physician
Prof. Erhabor was the first trained Respiratory Physician at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. He established and revamped the hospital’s Chest Unit from virtually nothing, raising it to an enviable height. The unit now boasts five Consultant Chest Physicians, a functional spirometry laboratory, tuberculosis and chronic lung disease clinics, regular bronchoscopy sessions, and a robust postgraduate programme.
Excellence is never a bus stop or a terminal — it is seeking to be better than yourself.
— Prof. Gregory E. Erhabor
Teaching & Mentorship
A hallmark of his mentorship is the regular “Meet the Professor” sessions — round-table discussions on academic, social and life issues. Over 3,000 medical students have passed through him, and he has trained over 35 fellows at both the West African and National Postgraduate Colleges of Physicians.
A Life of Faith
At the age of 11, the young Gregory had a personal experience of salvation, and has remained steadfast in the service of Christ for nearly five decades — combining a distinguished academic career with his Christian commitments. His ministry work is chronicled in full at spokesmancom.org.
Family & Legacy
Prof. Erhabor is married to Rev. Mrs. Ayodele Erhabor, a seasoned Nursing Tutor and a great helpmeet. They are blessed with three children, and countless spiritual sons and daughters whose lives he has positively impacted across the world.