Prof. Michael David Wilson

While he was at the University of Salford, he had a girlfriend from a South Asian country who was also pursuing postgraduate studies at the same university. This relationship made her family life miserable. As he had promised her girlfriend that he would divorce his wife and take her to Ghana, she was neglecting her husband and little daughter.

Anyway, RIP his soul!

Prof Wilson know that we shall always love you. Your kindness, generosity and service will live forever. Rest in peace!

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a brilliant mentor - Professor Michael D. Wilson. The world and Ghana have lost a true luminary.
I first met Prof. Mike, as I called him, in November 2002. In September 2002, I had left the US after 6 years and relocated to Ghana to gain some research experience for at least 1 year.
I went to Noguchi seeking an internship and the Director’s secretary at the time suggested I speak to the head of Parasitology – Dr. Michael Wilson at the time. I met with Prof. Mike and told him about my desire for unpaid internship learning to get research experience. He was the first person who gave me a chance at Noguchi and I worked on one of Prof. Boakye’s projects not for one year but ended up staying for 10 years.

Prof Mike was not only a brilliant scientist but a true intellectual and profound thinker. You would also feel you learnt something from any conversation you had with him. He prompted researchers to think about the science. He encouraged me to pursue a master's degree at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and later a PhD. He was always helpful and full of ideas and new approaches.

He was also very witty and his unforgettable catchphrases still make me laugh to myself occasionally. Prof Wilson, Prof Boakye and all the wonderful people I worked with at NMIMR are why my 1 year internship turned into about 12 years…

When I saw Prof Mike in May 2024, I wish I had known it would be the last time. I told him all about my current work and the focus on vaccine responses. He kept me on my toes with his questions. I wish I got to tell him what a real inspiration he was for a whole generation of researchers around the world.

Rest well Prof, you will be sorely missed.
My deepest condolences to his entire family.

I am deeply grateful to Professor Wilson for his unwavering support throughout my journey. It was through Professor Kwofie’s recommendation that I had the opportunity to serve at Noguchi, and much of my success there is thanks to Professor Wilson’s guidance.

From the start, he provided not only academic advice but also constant encouragement. He recognized my potential and encouraged me to apply for graduate school, opening doors I hadn't considered. His assistance during the application process was indispensable, offering valuable feedback and insight at every step.

Professor Wilson’s mentorship has had a profound impact on both my academic and professional life. His belief in me and dedication to my growth will always be something I cherish. Thank you, Professor Wilson, for your guidance and support.

In 2022, I was asked by My professor back at University of Ghana, School of Engineering Sciences, Professor Samuel Kwojo Kwofie, to see Professor Michael Wilson at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. I had told Professor Kwofie that I would want to do Bioinformatics for my internship already.

When I came to Noguchi, I was so scared of meeting him, I didn't know who he was.

After I was introduced to him as the new intern he welcomed me and asked his Research Assistants to shoe me where I will be working. The way he received me got me so happy to the extent that I wanted the semester to end quickly so I could start internship. Under his guidance during internship proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever taken in my life. He was ready to help me with whatever I was learning, and under his guidance I became so good in research.

During National Service too, he personally helped me come up with a research project so I could work on.

He often joked with us a lot, and it's difficult to be sad in his company. I remember the name he gave me,"Olympic Runner" (He called me from a distance and I ran towards him).

Prof Wilson is gone, but he'll never ever be forgotten 😢

PROFESSOR MICHAEL DAVID WILSON

THANK YOU VERY MUCH
MERCI BEACOUP
MUCHAS GRACIAS
DANKE!!!!!!!!!!!!🙏

May God Bless you 🙏

When people hear your name, they think, 'Legend.' You've fulfilled your purpose and more, leaving a lasting legacy. May God richly bless you for everything you did to show us how to live meaningful lives.

From the very start of my journey at Noguchi, you took an interest in my growth. You gave me opportunities, mentored me, and continued to follow my progress. Although you left us too soon, we celebrate the life of Prof. Wilson. You will forever remain in our hearts and memories.

I can't believe I am watching the funeral of my senior colleague, mentor and friend. It is been difficult the past few months. Dear Prof, we were together during the funeral of your blossom friend Nana (late Prof. Appawu) a year ago. You really felt the loss of your friend. Never did I know that you will soon join him in eternity. I thank God for the many lives you touched including mine. I will miss our numerous trips to Bush Canteen for fufu. God bless you and give you eternal rest. Amen

10:08 AM, Christ the King Catholic Church
I'm still trying to process the news. "Harriet I’m sorry to break this news to you...But Prof Wilson is gone🥺.  It feels like a dream, but the pain is all too real. Just a few hours before hearing about your passing, I had mentioned to friends that I needed to call you, as it had been a while since I saw you around.

My journey with you began on October 25th 2023. I stumbled upon your profile as the Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases at Noguchi. Having worked on lymphatic filariasis for my undergraduate project, I reached out to you on WhatsApp, seeking your support to vouch for my national service posting to Noguchi. Despite not knowing me, you offered to help, inviting me to meet you at your office.

Your kindness and willingness to assist someone you had never met left an indelible mark on me. You not only approved my posting but also became a mentor, offering guidance and encouragement. Your doors were always open, and you believed in me, and the little science I know.
I'll never forget the  times you gave me  lift to East Legon KFC. Your generosity and kindness knew no bounds. You were a good good man, Prof. Wilson, and your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched.

To me, you left us too soon, and I know you had so much more to give. I wish you could see me achieve the goals you encouraged me to strive for. Your impact on my life has been immense, and I'll always be grateful.
Rest in perfect peace, Prof. Wilson. I miss you sorely🥹.

A Tribute to Prof. Wilson

Prof. Wilson was more than just an academic; he was a true mentor, a rare gem, and a profound source of inspiration. He was the kind of man who extended not only opportunities but also genuine care and attention to everyone who crossed his path. For me, he was the first to see potential where I might have doubted it, the first to extend a hand and say, “You belong here, let’s walk this path together.”

In his office, there was always a space—physical, intellectual, and emotional. No matter how busy his schedule was, he made you feel valued and respected. Conversations with him were not limited to science. We delved into history, explored the intricacies of past Ghanaian governments, and compared their differences. Those discussions were an escape, a classroom, and a sanctuary all rolled into one. It was during one of those exchanges that we discovered a personal connection—my grandfather had been his neighbor in the UK. That shared history became a foundation for even deeper conversations, filled with wisdom, humor, and a touch of nostalgia.

What made Prof. Wilson extraordinary was his unwavering belief in people. He saw brilliance where others saw mediocrity and was convinced that with the right training, anyone could achieve greatness. That belief wasn’t just theoretical; he lived it every day. Even in his advanced years, his dedication was unmatched.

Prof. Wilson’s impact goes beyond the knowledge he imparted; he taught me about perseverance and humility. He was, indeed, one in a million—a man whose legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him. Thank you, Prof., for believing in me, for the stories, the lessons, and for always showing up. You were more than a professor—you were a pillar in my life.

Sofo come let’s talk science, this is how Prof. Wilson will summon me from my desk during one of his commercial breaks when he has ideas flowing through his head. We would go stand under the famous tree in front of his office and I will listen carefully, holding my breath in between his smoke puffs as I try to figure out how I would implement all the biochemistry he is throwing at me computationally. Personal and logistic issues were discussed in the comfortable seats in his office, but science was always discussed under the tree with a cigarette. To be honest, I always looked forward to the science talks. On days when Prof. Wilson does not come to summon me, I would go to his office, with a decoy request and spark him up with news of exciting results so we would go and talk science. It was one of those afternoons that we decided to go after mycolactone as a drug candidate for COVID-19. He called us detectives. I didn’t stay long enough to finish that study, but I was delighted when I heard of the patent application, I was looking forward to when you would tell me how you pulled it off. I miss you Prof. Wilson. You are among the best people I have ever met, an absolute legend, an excellent example and a great mentor to me. I hope to make you proud. Thank you for everything.

***Tribute from the Institutional choir of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, to our Founding Patron, Professor Micheal David Wilson****

It is with deep sadness and a personal sense of loss that we commemorate the passing of our dear founding patron, Professor Micheal David Wilson today.
Prof. Wilson together with Prof. William Ampofo, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Prof. Nana Apau (of Blessed memory), Reverend Asamani, and Ms. Augustina Aryeh were the founding patrons of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research choir. Prof. Wilson was a gentleman whose approach to life was one that was emulated by us all. We remember him as ever humble and always gentle, allowing nothing to disturb his serene disposition. He was a man of character who lived by high moral standards seeking on the truth. His love for choral music was evident in his strong support for the establishment of a choir at this research institute and seeing to its survivial till now despite the many challenges faced.
Prof. Wilson was one of the patrons who were ever ready to support the choir financially without any qualms. Any time I approched him for monetary support for the choir, he will always tell me and I quote “Isaac, let Tina contact me and William for the money and you concentrate on the music”.
A father as he was, Prof. Wilson made himself and his generous pocket available to the choir always in times of need. I remember last year December after the Christmas Carol program here at the institute, Prof. Wilson sat with the choir listening to the songs we kept singing for over an hour after which he congratulated the choir for the great ministration. Like his name-sake Angel Micheal, he was our Protector and defender and he will be missed dearly.
We conclude that, Prof. Wilson was a champion of intellectual, personal and financial support for the choir since its inception. His personal generosity and belief in our cause kept the choir afloat in difficult times. And we know that his loss is felt the same way in the many other charities that he supported. Our thoughts are also with his family at this difficult time.
Fare thee well and Thank You Prof. Wilson. You are gone but you will never be forgotten. From the living patrons and the entire choir, We say God be with you till we meet again!!! Da Yie!!!! Amen!!!

Dear Prof. Wilson,

Thank you very much for the many years of great mentorship, leadership, selflessness and love. The moments we shared together, your deeds, thoughts, direction and ideas have shaped me into who I am today. I am so sad you didn't wait to see the pinnacle of what you instilled in me. You thought me the true meaning of quiet leadership and why leaders don't have to yell. You thought me the meaning of inclusiveness and paying attention to everyone on the team. I will never forget about you, never ! I have never met a man like you. I thank the Lord for having brought you into my path.
Rest well father. To us you are a great Legend. We will pass on your legacy!!