Tinubu appoints John Obafunwa as new DG of NIMR

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of Professor John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), marking a significant development in the nation’s health research landscape.

The appointment, effective from July 24, 2024, comes as Professor Babatunde Salako’s tenure concludes on July 23, 2024. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale.

In his statement, President Tinubu expressed profound gratitude to Professor Salako for his dedicated service to the nation, acknowledging the progress and advancements made under his leadership at NIMR.

Professor Obafunwa brings a distinguished academic and professional background to his new role. He earned his medical degree from the University of Lagos in 1980, specializing in Anatomic Pathology by 1987. Further enhancing his expertise, he pursued sub-specialization in Forensic Pathology in Scotland in 1991 and obtained a law degree from England in 2004. His impressive academic portfolio is complemented by memberships in several prestigious professional bodies across the UK, USA, and Nigeria.

With a career spanning multiple countries, Professor Obafunwa has garnered extensive international experience. He has worked in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before returning to Nigeria in November 2004 to serve as Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM). His leadership roles have included serving as the Provost of LASUCOM, Chief Medical Examiner for Lagos State, and Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University. Prior to this appointment, he was the International Regional Advisor of the Royal College of Pathologists (UK) for Sub-Saharan Africa.

An accomplished academic, Professor Obafunwa has authored numerous scientific publications and contributed chapters to various textbooks. His research interests are wide-ranging, covering anatomic and forensic pathology, with current research focusing on forensic entomology and taphonomy at the University of Nebraska, USA.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Professor Obafunwa’s ability to lead NIMR towards new heights. He emphasized the expectation that the new Director-General will leverage his vast experience and expertise to advance NIMR’s mission of spearheading research into diseases of public health importance in Nigeria. Additionally, Professor Obafunwa is tasked with enhancing the dissemination of research findings and fostering a robust environment for health research and training in collaboration with federal and state health ministries.

As Professor Obafunwa steps into his new role, the Nigerian medical research community anticipates a new era of innovation and excellence under his leadership, promising significant strides in the nation’s public health sector.