President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of Professor John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). Professor Obafunwa will take over from Professor Babatunde Salako, whose tenure concludes on July 23, 2024. The appointment is set to take effect on July 24, 2024.
The announcement was made through a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity. In the statement, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to Professor Salako for his dedicated service to the nation during his tenure at NIMR.
Under Professor Salako’s leadership, the institute made significant strides in medical research and public health in Nigeria, playing a pivotal role in advancing health research and developing solutions to combat various diseases affecting the population.
Professor John Obafunwa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. He graduated in medicine from the University of Lagos in 1980 and specialized in Anatomic Pathology, focusing on the morphological study of diseases, in 1987. Further enhancing his qualifications,
Professor Obafunwa sub-specialized in Forensic Pathology in Scotland in 1991 and obtained a law degree from England in 2004. His extensive academic qualifications are complemented by memberships in various professional bodies in the UK, USA, and Nigeria.
Throughout his career, Professor Obafunwa has worked internationally, including stints in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK. In 2004, he returned to Nigeria to join the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) as a Professor of Forensic Pathology.
His contributions to the institution include serving as the Provost of LASUCOM, Chief Medical Examiner for Lagos State, and Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University. Before his recent appointment, he was the International Regional Advisor of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK) for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Professor Obafunwa has authored numerous scientific publications and contributed chapters to several textbooks, focusing on anatomic and forensic pathology. He is currently involved in research in forensic entomology and taphonomy at the University of Nebraska, USA. His extensive research background and academic contributions have cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the field of pathology.
President Tinubu emphasized his confidence in Professor Obafunwa’s ability to lead NIMR, stating that he expects the new Director-General to leverage his extensive experience to further the institute’s objectives.
NIMR aims to lead research into diseases of public health importance in Nigeria, develop structures for disseminating research findings, and provide an enabling environment and facilities for health research and training in collaboration with federal and state health ministries.
The President highlighted the critical role NIMR plays in addressing public health challenges in Nigeria. The institute’s research initiatives are crucial for developing effective interventions and policies to combat diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other emerging health threats. With Professor Obafunwa at the helm, there is optimism that NIMR will continue to make significant contributions to improving public health outcomes in Nigeria.
As Nigeria continues to face numerous public health challenges, the leadership of NIMR is of paramount importance. The appointment of Professor John Obafunwa as the new Director-General signals a commitment to advancing medical research and strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
His extensive qualifications, international experience, and dedication to forensic pathology position him well to lead NIMR into a new era of innovation and discovery.
The transition from Professor Salako to Professor Obafunwa marks a new chapter for NIMR. The institute is poised to build on its achievements and address the evolving health needs of Nigeria’s population. With the support of the federal and state governments,
NIMR under Professor Obafunwa’s leadership is expected to drive significant advancements in medical research and public health, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more resilient nation.
