Recognising excellence in leadership and service inspires individuals and Institutions to strive for greater accomplishments, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, has said.

She spoke after receiving the Cred 360 Distinguished Leadership in Medical Education Award, presented by Cred 360 Media Limited in recognition of her contributions to medical education, institutional development, and academic leadership. Cred 360 Media Limited is a full service media, public relations, and advertising agency based in Ibadan.

Present during the presentation were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Oyetunde Oyeyemi, the Deputy Registrar (VC's Office), Mr Akin Owaboriaye, Senior Assistant Registrar (VC's Office), Ms Opeyemi Awani, and the University's Head of the Directorate of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs, Mr Isaac Oluyi.

Expressing appreciation for the honour, the Vice Chancellor said she was initially surprised when she received the notification and asked the University's Public Relations Office to verify the organisation behind it. She said she was impressed by Cred 360 Media's commitment to due diligence and its focus on identifying and celebrating individuals making meaningful impact. "When I first received your letter, I asked my Public Relations Officer to find out more about your organisation. I wanted to be sure you were people who value professionalism and keep to your word. I am happy that you have demonstrated those qualities," she stated.

According to Adejuyigbe, recognising outstanding performance motivates recipients to sustain excellence while encouraging others to pursue impactful service. "Recognition inspires excellence. When people are acknowledged for doing the right thing, it encourages them to do even more. It also motivates others to strive for excellence because they know that their efforts are being noticed," she noted, adding that positive achievements deserve as much attention as wrongdoing typically receives.

The Vice Chancellor also commended journalists who invest time and resources in producing accurate and balanced reports, describing responsible journalism as an essential pillar of national development. She praised the Cred 360 Media team for travelling to Ondo to present the award in person. "Good journalism is not easy. Some people simply make phone calls, rely on hearsay, and publish stories without verification. Your decision to travel all the way here and witness events firsthand demonstrates your seriousness and commitment to responsible journalism," she said, before praying for the organisation's continued growth.