Tinubu Applauds Nigerian Global Health Scholar Ibrahim Abubakar as UCL Vice-Provost (Health)!

Reported by Musa Antiketu,| Journalist at Obaland magazine.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has joined other prominent Nigerian voices in recognising Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, an internationally respected infectious disease epidemiologist, following his appointment as Vice-Provost (Health) at University College London (UCL).

However, contrary to a circulating claim that Professor Abubakar was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), available official records do not support that assertion. CEPI currently lists Dr Richard Hatchett as its Chief Executive Officer, while Professor Abubakar serves as Vice-Provost (Health) at UCL.

Professor Abubakar’s appointment at UCL represents a significant international recognition of Nigerian expertise in global health and infectious disease research. UCL announced in July 2025 that he would lead the university’s broad health strategy, bringing together research, education, innovation and partnerships across different academic disciplines.

The university described Abubakar as an internationally renowned expert in global health. His responsibilities include developing and implementing UCL’s institution-wide health strategy and strengthening collaboration with health partners in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Abubakar has built a distinguished academic and public-health career spanning infectious disease epidemiology, tuberculosis, migration and health, and pandemic preparedness. He joined UCL in 2012 as Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and subsequently served as Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health and Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences.

His professional background also includes work with Public Health England, where he led tuberculosis-related public-health efforts. UCL records that he has published extensively on infectious diseases and has contributed to international health policy and research.

The appointment has also attracted recognition from Nigeria’s health leadership. In July 2025, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate congratulated Abubakar, describing the development as a proud moment for Nigeria and a reflection of the growing contribution of Nigerian professionals to global health.

The development is particularly significant at a time when global health institutions are confronting recurring outbreaks, vaccine-development challenges and the continuing need for stronger pandemic preparedness. CEPI, for instance, launched its five-year CEPI 3.0 strategy in February 2026, seeking US$2.5 billion from governments, philanthropies and other partners to strengthen global defences against epidemic and pandemic threats.

CEPI’s current leadership structure further confirms the distinction between the two developments. Its official leadership page lists Dr Richard Hatchett as Chief Executive Officer and Aurélia Nguyen as Deputy Chief Executive Officer. The World Economic Forum and Reuters have likewise identified Hatchett as CEPI’s CEO in 2026.

For Nigeria, Professor Abubakar’s continued rise in global health leadership nevertheless remains noteworthy. His career illustrates the growing presence of Nigerian-trained professionals in influential international scientific and public-health institutions.

His medical education began at Ahmadu Bello University, after which he undertook postgraduate training in public health and epidemiology in the United Kingdom. He has also been recognised through prestigious professional appointments and fellowships, including election to the Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

The wider significance of his appointment extends beyond personal achievement. At a period when African countries are seeking greater influence in global health decision-making, the participation of African experts in senior international institutions can strengthen the continent’s voice in debates over disease surveillance, vaccine equity, health research and pandemic preparedness.

For Obaland magazine, the distinction is important: while Professor Ibrahim Abubakar’s international health leadership deserves recognition, attributing the CEPI chief executive position to him would be inaccurate based on current authoritative records. Accurate reporting remains essential, particularly on public-health issues where misinformation can undermine public understanding and institutional credibility.

Sources

• University College London (UCL)
• Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria
• Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
• World Economic Forum
• Reuters
• The Guardian Nigeria

President Tinubu recognises Nigerian global health expert Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, whose appointment as UCL Vice-Provost (Health) highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in international health leadership.