President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Prof. John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research.

This announcement was made by the President’s spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Monday.

Prof. Obafunwa will succeed Prof. Babatunde Salako, whose tenure ends on July 23. The new appointment takes effect from July 24.

“President Tinubu extends his gratitude to Professor Salako for his service to the nation,” said Chief Ajuri Ngelale.

The President expects the new Director-General to use his vast experience and qualifications to lead the NIMR in its mission to research diseases of public health importance in Nigeria.

He also expects Prof. Obafunwa to develop structures for sharing research findings and to provide a conducive environment and facilities for health research and training in cooperation with federal and state health ministries.

Prof. John Obafunwa’s qualifications include a medical degree from the University of Lagos in 1980 and a specialisation in Anatomic Pathology in 1987. He further sub-specialised in Forensic Pathology in Scotland in 1991 and obtained a law degree from England in 2004.

Prof. Obafunwa is a member of various professional bodies in the UK, USA, and Nigeria. He has worked in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before returning to Nigeria in November 2004 to become a Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine.

The President is confident that Prof. Obafunwa will excel in his new role and advance the objectives of the NIMR.