In a significant development for Nigeria's medical research community, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). Professor Obafunwa will succeed Professor Babatunde Salako, whose tenure concludes on July 23, 2024, with the appointment taking effect from July 24, 2024.
Expressing gratitude for Professor Salako's service to the nation, President Tinubu acknowledged the former Director-General's contributions to the NIMR. Under Salako’s leadership, the institute made substantial strides in medical research and public health.
Professor Obafunwa's appointment brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the NIMR. He graduated in medicine from the University of Lagos in 1980 and specialized in Anatomic Pathology by 1987. His further specialization in Forensic Pathology in Scotland and a law degree from England in 2004 highlight his diverse academic background. Professor Obafunwa's professional journey includes significant roles in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before returning to Nigeria in 2004. His academic contributions as a Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), and his tenure as provost of LASUCOM and Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, underscore his leadership in medical education and research.
Notably, Professor Obafunwa has served as the Chief Medical Examiner for Lagos State and the International Regional Advisor of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK) for Sub-Saharan Africa. His extensive research in anatomic and forensic pathology, including ongoing work in forensic entomology and taphonomy at the University of Nebraska, positions him as a leading figure in medical research.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of Professor Obafunwa's role in advancing NIMR’s mission to lead research on diseases of public health significance in Nigeria. The President expects the new Director-General to leverage his extensive experience to enhance the institute's research capabilities, foster collaboration with federal and state health ministries, and promote the dissemination of critical research findings.
The appointment of Professor Obafunwa marks a new chapter for the NIMR, promising continued excellence and innovation in medical research to benefit public health in Nigeria.
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