The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has congratulated Professor Ibrahim Abubakar on his appointment as Vice-Provost (Health) at the prestigious University College London (UCL).
Describing the appointment as a proud moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone in global health leadership, Professor Pate commended Abubakar for his decades-long dedication to advancing public health.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the minister lauded Professor Abubakar’s pioneering research in infectious disease epidemiology and his contributions to strengthening international health partnerships.
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“Professor Abubakar’s appointment reflects not only his personal excellence but also the growing recognition of Nigerian professionals at the forefront of global health”. Pate said.
He said his leadership will undoubtedly help shape critical cross-disciplinary solutions to health challenges worldwide.
Abubakar, a renowned global health expert, will be responsible for leading UCL’s new whole-university health strategy, which aims to integrate research, education, and innovation across all faculties, from biomedical sciences to engineering, social sciences, and health policy.
The role underscores UCL’s commitment to tackling pressing health challenges through a multi-sectoral approach.
Professor Abubakar joined UCL in 2012 as Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, he served as Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health and was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences in 2021, by 2023, he had become Pro-Provost (Health), helping shape the Institution’s long-term health vision.
He assumes his new role immediately on a part-time basis and will transition fully in 2025.
The Health Minister’s congratulatory message highlights Nigeria’s growing footprint in global academic and public health leadership and serves as encouragement for more African professionals to excel on the world stage.