Young Doctor Kawonise Oyinade Sarah receives President’s NYSC Honours Award for Outstanding Service

Abuja, Nigeria — In a remarkable demonstration of selfless service, innovation, and leadership, Dr. Kawonise Oyinade Sarah has been awarded the prestigious President’s NYSC Honours Award, the highest recognition conferred on young Nigerians during their national youth service year for acts of service to their community.

Born on the 28th of March to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Kawonise, Dr. Kawonise hails from Ijebu, Ogun State, though she was born and raised in Badagry, Lagos State. She began her academic journey at the French Village International Staff School before proceeding to Ascension College, Imeke-Badagry, where she graduated with flying colours in 2012. Pursuing her passion for medicine, she gained admission into the Lagos State University, graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 2022.

Following her induction, Dr. Kawonise answered the clarion call for national youth service and was deployed to Jigawa State. At the NYSC orientation camp, she quickly distinguished herself as a vibrant and dedicated corps member. Assigned to Platoon 2, she actively contributed to the platoon’s success serving as the sub-guard commander during the parade ceremony. She also served in the camp clinic where she demonstrated exceptional workmanship and commitment to the welfare of her fellow corps members.

Upon completion of orientation, Dr. Kawonise was posted to the Federal University, Dutse, where she carried out her primary assignment diligently. Driven by her passion for preventive healthcare, she established the first Preventive Medicine Clinic in Jigawa State at the General Hospital, Dutse.

The clinic, fully equipped with modern tools including office furniture, glucometers, glucometer strips, digital and aneroid sphygmomanometers, mercury thermometers, stethoscopes, face masks, latex gloves, urinary test strips, sanitisers, and VDRL test kits, was dedicated to combating malaria, reducing maternal mortality, and preventing cervical cancer. Dr. Kawonise also spearheaded a preventive medical outreach at Dutse Capital School, focusing on menstrual hygiene, prevention of genital tract infections, and cervical cancer awareness. The outreach reached over 100 female students, with the distribution of sanitary pads, cotton pants, and detergents to promote healthier living practices.

In addition, she developed a Preventive Medicine Manual to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the clinic. The manual, in soft copy, was formally submitted to the then Chief Medical Director of the General Hospital, Dutse.

Her impact has not gone unnoticed. With her tireless contributions to public health and her dedication to the well-being of Nigerians, Dr. Kawonise Oyinade Sarah now stands among the distinguished awardees of the President’s NYSC Honours Award, a recognition for corps members who have demonstrated exceptional service through Community Development Service (CDS) and other NYSC initiatives.

The award, conferred by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), remains the most esteemed honour for young Nigerians, symbolising a beacon of patriotism, excellence, and national development.

It is worth noting that Dr. Kawonise’s recognition not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing healthcare and community development across the country.