President Bola Tinubu has made a significant appointment in the field of medical research, naming Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).
The appointment, effective from July 24, 2024, follows the conclusion of the term of Prof Babatunde Salako, who has served the institute with dedication.
In a statement released by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Tinubu expressed gratitude to Prof Salako for his service to the nation.
The president praised the new appointment, highlighting Obafunwa’s wealth of experience and impressive credentials.
Obafunwa graduated from the University of Lagos in 1980 with a degree in medicine. He specialized in Anatomic Pathology in 1987 and furthered his expertise with a sub-specialization in Forensic Pathology in Scotland in 1991. In addition to his medical qualifications, he also holds a law degree from England, obtained in 2004.
Throughout his distinguished career, Obafunwa has held positions in various countries, including the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK. In 2004, he returned to Nigeria, where he served as Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM). He also held the positions of Provost of LASUCOM, Chief Medical Examiner for Lagos State, and Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University. Prior to his appointment as the DG of NIMR, he served as the International Regional Advisor for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Royal College of Pathologists in the UK.
President Tinubu emphasized that Obafunwa’s extensive background and expertise will significantly advance NIMR’s mission of leading crucial research into diseases affecting public health in Nigeria. The new DG will play a vital role in developing structures for research dissemination and providing an enabling environment for health research and training.
Obafunwa’s contributions to scientific literature and ongoing research in forensic entomology and taphonomy at the University of Nebraska, USA, have earned him recognition. With his appointment as the Director-General of NIMR, Nigeria can expect further advancements in medical research and the development of effective strategies to combat diseases that impact public health.
