Nigeria Appoints New Director-General for Nigerian Institute of Medical Research

In a recent move, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has approved the appointment of Professor John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). Obafunwa will succeed Professor Babatunde Salako, whose tenure expires on July 23.

According to a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, the appointment takes effect from July 24. President Tinubu expressed gratitude to Professor Salako for his service to the nation and expects the new Director-General to bring his wealth of experience and qualifications to bear in the role.

As the new Director-General, Obafunwa is expected to further drive the NIMR’s objective of leading research into diseases of public health importance in Nigeria. He will also be responsible for developing structures for the dissemination of research findings and providing the enabling environment and facilities for health research and training in cooperation with the federal and state ministries of health.

Obafunwa’s academic credentials are impressive, having qualified in medicine from the University of Lagos in 1980 and specialized in Anatomic Pathology in 1987. He later sub-specialized in Forensic Pathology in Scotland in 1991 and obtained a law degree from England in 2004. He has also held membership in various professional bodies in the UK, USA, and Nigeria.

Prior to his appointment as Director-General, Obafunwa had worked in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before returning to Nigeria in November 2004 to take up an appointment as Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM).

With his extensive experience and qualifications, Professor Obafunwa is poised to lead the NIMR in its mission to advance medical research and improve healthcare in Nigeria.