President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Professor Ibrahim Abubakar on his appointment as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Abubakar, a distinguished Nigerian epidemiologist and global health expert, is a Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London (UCL).
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the appointment as a significant recognition of Nigeria’s growing contribution to global health leadership.
Professor Abubakar is expected to join CEPI in March 2027 and assume office as 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.
President Tinubu highlighted Professor Abubakar’s longstanding contributions to global health, including his service as Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health and Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences.
He also noted the professor’s involvement in international efforts to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response.
According to the statement, Abubakar’s appointment is a testament to the excellence, expertise and commitment of Nigerian professionals making significant contributions on the international stage.
The President expressed confidence that the new CEPI chief executive would provide exceptional expertise, vision and leadership as the organisation implements its 2027–2031 strategy.
President Tinubu also commended the outgoing CEPI Chief Executive Officer, Dr Richard Hatchett, for his leadership of the organisation since its establishment in 2017.
He welcomed the CEPI Board’s decision to ensure a carefully managed transition ahead of Professor Abubakar’s assumption of office.
CEPI is a global partnership focused on developing vaccines and strengthening preparedness and response to epidemics and pandemics.
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