Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, has urged Nigerian researchers to ensure their research targets practical policies and initiatives to improve healthcare delivery in Africa and worldwide.
In healthcare, it is important to know which medications are most effective for individual patients and their possible adverse effects. Such is only possible when research is applicable and targeted at existing challenges. Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) International Conference on Health Advances, Innovation, and Research, Alausa highlighted the institute’s pivotal role in promoting global health through excellence in research.
The Importance of Collective Effort
Dr.Alausa stated that the platform has fostered meaningful discussions on healthcare innovation and policy. He urged participants to ensure their collective efforts have a lasting impact beyond the conference. According to him, the government is dedicated to fostering collaborations that drive innovation in line with Nigeria’s development objectives.
He emphasised that by promoting partnerships among academic institutions, research centres, and private organisations, NIMR aims to enhance Nigeria’s role in advancing global health and contributing to the global economy. Alausa stated that NIMR remains committed to promoting research and innovation as essential components of national development that are in line with Nigeria’s vision. He also praised NIMR for providing a platform where medical professionals, researchers, and stakeholders can exchange innovative ideas and share research findings.
The conference has established a foundation for evidence-based policy-making to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare system. This event holds significant importance for the nation, serving as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and recognizing progress in biomedical research. NIMR remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate to promote research and innovation, which are key catalysts for national development.
Alausa Commends the Efforts of The Researchers
Alausa praised the active involvement of emerging researchers, describing them as the custodians of humanity’s future. He expressed appreciation for all researchers who contributed, whether through presenting abstracts or original studies, emphasising their pivotal role in shaping a vibrant future for medical research in Nigeria.
Highlighting the event’s significance for the country, he extended gratitude to the distinguished keynote speakers, collaborators, sponsors, and participants, noting his excitement to have been part of such a dynamic gathering.
The conference, which included keynote addresses, symposiums, and presentations, brought together leading stakeholders from the health sector, academia, and international organisations. Its primary goal was to promote dialogue and collaboration in biomedical research and innovation to tackle critical health challenges.
Remarks From the Director-General of NIMR
Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, the Director-General of NIMR, emphasised the need for collective efforts to ensure that health research leads to tangible improvements in public health. He described the conference as a platform to generate innovative ideas for transformative healthcare through evidence-based and cutting-edge research.
Obafunwa also outlined some of NIMR’s recent accomplishments, including the development of diagnostic test kits for infectious diseases such as Mpox and COVID-19, as well as significant progress toward completing a Lassa fever vaccine entirely developed in Nigeria.
The discovery of a new malaria vector, “Anopheles stephensi“, was achieved in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and Gombe State University. A key moment of the event was the presentation of awards and certificates to students.
