Hippolite Amadi
Hippolite Amadi is an award-winning Nigerian scientist, educator and author whose inspiring life story reflects determination, resilience and academic excellence. Rising from humble beginnings, he pursued education against considerable obstacles to establish an internationally respected scientific career.
His autobiography, Born to Live Not to Die, offers a compelling account of perseverance, faith and personal triumph, while also providing valuable insight into education, scientific achievement and modern Nigerian society.
Professor Hippolite Amadi is an internationally recognised Nigerian medical engineer, scientist, educator and author. He is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London, where he previously completed both an MSc in Engineering in Medicine and a PhD in Bioengineering. His pioneering work in frugal medical technologies and neonatal care has transformed newborn survival across Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries.
Professor Hippolite Amadi is an internationally respected Nigerian scientist, educator and author whose life and career have been defined by determination, intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to education and scientific advancement.
Born and educated in Nigeria, Professor Amadi overcame significant personal and social challenges in pursuit of academic excellence. Through perseverance and dedication, he established a distinguished scientific career that earned both national and international recognition.
Throughout his professional life he has made important contributions to science, higher education and academic development, inspiring numerous students and colleagues both within Nigeria and internationally. His achievements have been recognised through prestigious awards and honours, reflecting his contributions to scientific advancement and education.
Alongside his scientific work, Professor Amadi is also an accomplished author. His autobiography, Born to Live Not to Die, is a deeply personal and inspirational account of hardship, resilience and eventual success. The book explores themes of faith, education, determination and the transformative power of opportunity.
His writing provides readers with a unique perspective on life in Nigeria, academic achievement and the universal human capacity to overcome adversity. Through both his scientific and literary work, Professor Amadi continues to inspire readers, students and fellow academics around the world.
Books published
• Amadi et al. (2008) – A biomechanical study of the meniscofemoral ligaments and their contribution to contact pressure reduction in the knee. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy.
• Amadi et al. (2015) – Neonatal hyperthermia and thermal stress in low- and middle-income countries: a hidden cause of death in extremely low-birthweight neonates. Paediatrics and International Child Health.
• Amadi et al. (2007) – Digitally recycled incubators: better economic alternatives to modern systems in low-income countries. Annals of Tropical Paediatrics.
Awards and achievements
• Visiting Professor, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London. • Winner of the 2023 Nigeria Prize for Science, one of Africa's most prestigious scientific awards. • Developer of pioneering low-cost neonatal technologies and respiratory support systems. • Founder of Neonatal Concerns for Africa. • Research collaborations spanning more than 25 Nigerian tertiary hospitals. • Estimated to have contributed to the survival of more than one million newborn babies across Africa. • International authority on frugal medical technologies for resource-constrained healthcare systems.
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