Abuja: Prof. Oyewale Tomori, a Nigerian virologist, has congratulated Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Tomori emphasized that Nigeria must take purposeful actions to translate this appointment into meaningful benefits for the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tomori remarked that Abubakar was appointed to lead a global institution because of his competence and experience, rather than his nationality. He highlighted the need for Nigeria to actively identify and seize opportunities arising from Abubakar’s leadership of CEPI to derive long-lasting benefits.
Tomori cautioned against assuming that Abubakar’s appointment would automatically benefit Nigeria. He stressed that any gains Nigeria has received from its citizens in international organizations like WHO, WTO, and FIND have come through adherence to global standards, and the same principle should guide Nigeria’s approach to Abubakar’s new role.
He pointed out that Nigeria must address its health challenges independently, without relying on the nationality of individuals in international positions. He urged the country to develop scientific, institutional, and policy capacities to engage meaningfully with CEPI and other international organizations.
Tomori noted that opportunities exist in areas such as clinical trials, vaccine research, and development. He emphasized the need for Nigerian institutions to meet international standards to gain sustainable benefits from CEPI.
He also advised Nigeria to define its objectives and strategies for engaging with CEPI, stressing the importance of proactive engagement with international partners.
NAN reports that CEPI recently appointed Abubakar, a Nigerian epidemiologist and Professor at University College London, as its next CEO. Abubakar will assume his role in April 2027, succeeding Dr. Richard Hatchett. His appointment coincides with CEPI’s preparation to implement its 2027-2031 strategy, which focuses on accelerating vaccine development against epidemic threats.
Tomori’s insights serve as a caution to the celebrations surrounding Abubakar’s appointment, emphasizing that international recognition should not be mistaken for automatic national benefit.