President Bola Tinubu has appointed a new Director General for the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). Discover the new DG’s background and expected contributions to medical research in Nigeria.
The new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
Following the conclusion of Professor Babatunde Salako’s term on July 23, 2024, this appointment will take effect from July 24.
On Monday, Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale revealed that Professor Salako was thanked by President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the country.
As per the declaration, Professor Obafunwa’s appointment brings his vast experience and varied background to this position. He completed his medical education at University of Lagos in 1980 with a specialization in Anatomic Pathology which he achieved after graduating in May 1987.
Read Also: Tinubu Appoints Walson-Jack as New Head of Civil Service
Additionally, he acquired expertise through sub-specialization training towards Forensic Pathology from Scotland back in 1991; followed by obtaining a law degree from England during the year of 2004.
Over the course of his career, Obafunwa has taken on a range of medical roles across different locations. He has practiced in countries such as Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and UK; following this international experience he returned to Nigeria where he was appointed Professor of Forensic Pathology at Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) in 2004.
Before his current position, he held prestigious roles such as Provost of LASUCOM, Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University and Chief Medical Examiner for Lagos State. Additionally, He served the Royal College Pathologists (UK) as their International Regional Advisor overseeing Sub-Saharan Africa.
Professor Obafunwa has a keen interest in anatomic and forensic pathology, as evidenced by his vast array of published scientific works and textbook contributions.
At the University of Nebraska, USA, he is presently engaged in explorations within forensic entomology and taphonomy.
President Tinubu is confident that Professor Obafunwa’s immense qualifications and experience will advance the aim of NIMR to spearhead research on public health maladies in Nigeria. He also envisions an improvement in disseminating findings, fostering a favorable milieu for health research and training alongside state and federal health ministries.
