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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

Nigerian professor Ibrahim Abubakar appointed CEPI CEO

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Nigerian professor Ibrahim Abubakar has been appointed the new CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
  • Abubakar, an infectious disease epidemiologist, will assume his role in April 2027 after a global recruitment process.
  • His appointment is seen as a reflection of Nigeria's growing contribution to global health leadership, with CEPI playing a key role in developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.

Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, a distinguished Nigerian epidemiologist and global health expert, has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The announcement followed an open recruitment process, with Abubakar set to officially take the helm in April 2027.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria lauded the appointment, describing Abubakar as a "distinguished Nigerian epidemiologist and global health expert." Tinubu stated that Abubakar's selection underscores Nigeria's increasing influence and contribution to global health leadership. CEPI, founded in 2017, is a collaborative partnership involving public, private, philanthropic, and civil society organizations dedicated to financing and coordinating the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.

The coalition played a significant role in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, funding the development of numerous vaccine candidates that were subsequently deployed worldwide. With Abubakar's leadership, CEPI aims to remain at the forefront of efforts to develop vaccines and bolster preparedness against future epidemics and pandemics.

Abubakar brings a wealth of academic and leadership experience. He qualified as a medical doctor from Ahmadu Bello University in 1992 and later specialized in public health, earning master's and doctoral degrees from institutions including the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of East Anglia. He holds fellowships from the Royal College of Physicians and the Academy of Medical Sciences.

His research interests span infectious diseases, epidemiology, public health, and health systems, with a particular focus on tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, and emerging and vaccine-preventable diseases. Prior to this appointment, Abubakar held senior academic and leadership positions in the United Kingdom, including roles at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of East Anglia.

Abubakar’s appointment reflects Nigeria’s growing contribution to global health leadership.

— Bola TinubuPresident Bola Tinubu's comment on the significance of Professor Ibrahim Abubakar's appointment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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