Nigerian-born Busayo Jegede advances health informatics in U.S

Nigerian-born public health professional, Busayo Jegede, is making strides in the United States as a leader in health informatics, helping hospitals and clinicians adopt digital systems that improve efficiency and patient care.

Jegede, who holds a Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Babcock University, Nigeria, said her career is driven by the need to bridge the gap between data and care.

“Informatics is not just about technology,” she explained. “It is about giving clinicians the right tools and workflows so they can focus on patients, reduce errors, and make faster, evidence-based decisions.”

At Care Plus NJ, where she works as a Clinical Informatics Specialist II, Jegede led an initiative that raised computerized provider order entry (CPOE) use from 50 percent to 97 percent in five months. She said the project succeeded because it addressed both technology and human factors.

“We redesigned forms to make them more intuitive, we trained over 150 physicians and staff, and we created documentation protocols that made compliance easier,” she said. “When people see that technology actually helps them instead of slowing them down, adoption becomes natural.”

Her colleagues at Care Plus NJ described her as a problem solver. One physician said, “Busayo has a way of listening to what we need and then tailoring the system to fit our workflows. That’s why her projects work.”

Before joining Care Plus NJ, Jegede worked as a Data Analyst with Duxlink Healthcare in Florida, where she rolled out an integrated billing system that streamlined inpatient and outpatient services.

“That project improved efficiency by 70 percent,” she recalled. “It showed me how informatics can cut waste and give administrators the data they need to make better decisions.”

Her role in Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiatives also produced results.

“We were able to reduce average care costs by up to 80 percent,” she said. “It was proof that with the right data, you can improve both patient outcomes and financial sustainability.”

Jegede began her career in Lagos as a Public Health Analyst with the Lagos State Ministry of Health. There, she worked with physicians and community leaders on disease tracking and prevention campaigns. “That experience taught me that data must always be tied to people,” she said. “When you see how outbreaks affect vulnerable communities, you understand why accuracy and timeliness matter.”

She has since deepened her expertise through membership in professional bodies such as the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). “You can’t work in health informatics and remain static,” she said. “These platforms help me stay current with new technologies and global best practices.”

Jegede also places emphasis on mentorship and representation. “As a Nigerian woman in tech and health, I know visibility matters,” she said. “When younger women see people like them in leadership, it helps them believe they can also excel.”

Colleagues describe her as a strong communicator and a team builder. “She doesn’t just push technology,” said another staff member. “She brings everyone along.”

Looking ahead, Jegede said she hopes to use her expertise to influence health systems globally, including in Nigeria. “Digitization is no longer optional,” she said. “If countries like Nigeria invest in health informatics, it will transform the way we prevent diseases, manage hospitals, and save lives.”

From her early work in Lagos to her current role in the U.S., Jegede’s career highlights the growing importance of health informatics in shaping the future of patient care. “At the end of the day,” she concluded, “success for me means healthier communities, whether in America, Nigeria, or anywhere in the world.”

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE