President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Professor Ibrahim Abubakar on his appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the appointment, describing it as an opportunity for Prof. Abubakar to lead the global partnership dedicated to developing vaccines and strengthening preparedness against epidemics and pandemics.
The President noted with pride, Prof. Abubakar’s longstanding contributions to global health, including his service as Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health, Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences, and his involvement in international efforts to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response.
He said Prof. Abubakar’s appointment was a significant recognition of Nigeria’s growing contribution to global health leadership and a testament to the excellence, expertise and commitment of Nigerian professionals working on the international stage.
President Tinubu also commended CEPI for its commitment to international collaboration, scientific innovation and equitable access to life-saving vaccines and other tools needed to address emerging health threats.
He expressed confidence that Prof. Abubakar would bring exceptional expertise, vision and leadership to CEPI as it implements its 2027–2031 strategy and advance the global ambition of responding rapidly to future pandemics.
The President wished Prof. Abubakar success in his new responsibility and assured him of Nigeria’s continued support for international partnerships that promote global health security, scientific cooperation and equitable access to vaccines.
Prof. Abubakar is a distinguished Nigerian epidemiologist, global health expert and Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London (UCL).
He will join CEPI in March 2027 and assume the role of Chief Executive Officer in April 2027. He brings more than three decades of experience spanning medicine, infectious disease epidemiology, public health research, policy and international health leadership.
