Key Summary
- Portsmouth awarded an honorary doctorate to pharmacist Ade Williams MBE for his healthcare leadership
- Williams, known as the “People’s Pharmacist,” is a pioneer in advanced prescribing and health equity research
- Other honourees include global campaigners, broadcasters, and healthcare leaders recognised for social impact
The University of Portsmouth has awarded an honorary doctorate to Bristol pharmacist Adeyemi Williams MBE, during their 2025 graduation held between July 22 and 31.
Williams’ pioneering healthcare innovations and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic had earned him national recognition and an MBE in 2022.
Often referred to as “People’s Pharmacist”, Williams arrived in the UK as a teenager from Nigeria.
He graduated in pharmacy fromCOVID-19 in 2002 and is now one of the most recognised and respected figures in British pharmacy.
“I am incredibly humbled to receive this honour from the University of Portsmouth. This City, University and the IFCS Community shaped my enduring understanding that serving to preserve and enhance our vulnerable collective humanity is the essence of the NHS,” Williams said.
He currently serves as the superintendent pharmacist at Bedminster Pharmacy and the director of the MJ Williams Pharmacy Group.
Williams has also made significant contributions to advanced pharmacy prescribing and Healthy Living Pharmacy concept. His impeccable services are devoted to many healthcare boards in the country as well.
His passion for research had covered many important areas in healthcare such as mental health, cancer diagnosis and health equity. The studies were acknowledged by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and The Lancet.
Apart from being a pharmacist and researcher, Williams is also an active campaigner against inequality in healthcare.
Some of his measures include campaign to improve vaccine uptake, cardiovascular risk checks in local pubs, improving disease education and educating undeserved communities regarding early diagnosis of bowel and pancreatic cancer.
Other doctorate recipients include UN Goodwill Ambassador for women’s rights worldwide - Sabrina Dhowre Elba, business leader Tim Campbell MBE, leading football broadcaster Sam Matterface, and suicide prevention campaigner Alice Hendy MBE.
This list also includes orthopaedic surgeon Samantha Tross, LGBTQ+ rights and veterans advocate Craig Jones MBE, and media pioneer and women's rights advocate Rosemary Reed.
