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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Professor Ibrahim Abubakar on his appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), describing the development as a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in global health leadership.
Abubakar, a distinguished Nigerian epidemiologist and global health expert, is Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London (UCL).
He is expected to join CEPI in March 2027 and assume office as Chief Executive Officer in April 2027, succeeding Dr Richard Hatchett, who has led the organisation since its establishment in 2017.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said Abubakar’s appointment would strengthen the global partnership’s efforts to develop vaccines and improve preparedness against epidemics and pandemics.
The President expressed confidence that the professor would bring extensive experience in medicine, infectious disease epidemiology, public health research, policy and international health leadership to his new role.
According to the statement, Abubakar has more than three decades of experience in the health sector and has held several senior positions, including Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health and Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences.
Tinubu said Abubakar’s involvement in international efforts to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response had positioned him to provide effective leadership as CEPI implements its 2027–2031 strategy.
The President described the appointment as “a significant recognition of Nigeria’s growing contribution to global health leadership” and a testament to the “excellence, expertise and commitment” of Nigerian professionals operating on the international stage.
Tinubu also commended CEPI for its commitment to international collaboration, scientific innovation and equitable access to vaccines and other life-saving tools required to confront emerging health threats.
He expressed appreciation to the outgoing CEO, Hatchett, for his leadership of the organisation since its establishment, while welcoming the CEPI Board’s decision to provide for a carefully managed transition ahead of Abubakar’s assumption of office.
The President expressed confidence that the incoming CEO would provide exceptional expertise, vision and leadership as CEPI works to strengthen the world’s capacity to respond rapidly to future pandemics.
Tinubu assured Abubakar of Nigeria’s continued support for international partnerships aimed at advancing global health security, scientific cooperation and equitable access to vaccines.
He wished the professor success in his new responsibility and expressed confidence that his appointment would further enhance Nigeria’s contribution to global efforts to prevent and respond to epidemic and pandemic threats.
