President Bola Tinubu congratulates Professor Ibrahim Abubakar as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

Abubakar is a distinguished Nigerian epidemiologist, global health expert and Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London (UCL).

The statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga commends the appointment, which will enable him to lead the global partnership dedicated to developing vaccines and strengthening preparedness against epidemics and pandemics.

It further discloses that Prof Abubakar, who will join CEPI in March 2027 and assume the role of Chief Executive Officer in April 2027, brings more than three decades of experience spanning medicine, infectious disease epidemiology, public health research, policy and international health leadership.

President Tinubu notes with pride that 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.

The statement believes Prof. Abubakar’s appointment is 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.

The President also appreciates the outgoing CEO, Dr Richard Hatchett, for his leadership of CEPI since its establishment in 2017, and welcomes the Board’s decision to ensure a carefully managed transition before Prof. Abubakar assumes office.

The President expresses confidence that Prof. Abubakar will bring exceptional expertise, vision, and leadership to CEPI as it implements its 20272031 strategy.