UI Department of Virology is a beacon of excellence- VC

Oru Leonard 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale has stated that the Department of Virology at the University has been a long-standing beacon of excellence because over the years, it has consistently been at the forefront of investigating viral disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics.

Professor Adebowale made this statement in an address he delivered at the commissioning of the World Health Organization (WHO) supported state-of-the-art Genomics/Sequencing Laboratory in the Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.

He recalled that during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department provided the needed education, information, diagnoses, and support for the University community, Oyo State and the entire country.

Professor Adebowale said due to its outstanding research output, the Department has earned numerous recognitions and was designated as the WHO Yellow Fever Diagnostic Centre for Nigeria; WHO Influenza Centre for Nigeria; WHO Collaborating Centre for Virus Reference and Research; HIV Reference Centre, National Polio Laboratory; as well as the Nigerian Centre for Diseases Control Zonal Laboratory.

The Vice-Chancellor said the Department as the National Polio Laboratory has played a crucial role in Nigeria’s Polio eradication programme by contributing significantly to the country’s achievement of being declared wild polio-free in 2021.

He said the commissioned state-of-the-art Genomics/Sequencing Laboratory will not only provide vital information for the eradication of Polio but also contribute to the University’s infrastructure to fulfil its vision and mission in addressing societal needs.

Professor Adebowale appreciated the National Primary Health Care Development Agency; Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention; the World Health Organization; USAID; APIN Public Health Initiative; and the Harvard School of Public Health for their unwavering support to the Department. He gave special thanks to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for providing the fund needed to establish the Polio sequencing laboratory in the Ibadan National Polio Laboratory.

The WHO Country Representative and Head of Mission to Nigeria, Dr Kazadi Mulombo Walter was the Guest of Honour at commissioning ceremony.

He commended the leadership of the University of Ibadan for the commitments to collaborative efforts with other government agencies to strengthen surveillance, diagnoses, and response actions, particularly in the fight against Polio and other infectious disease outbreaks in Nigeria.

Dr Walter acknowledged the success of sustaining University of Ibadan also as WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental, Neuroscience, Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

He assured that the WHO will continue to train staff, follow up, support quality assurance procedures, and provide technical support until the Laboratory is able to independently run sequencing.

The Head of Department of Virology Professor Georgina Odaibo said the Laboratory would serve as a Training hub for the country and the Region in the area of molecular Virology and genomics.

She said the Department which is the only Department of Virology in any institution in Nigeria and even West Africa has been training undergraduate and postgraduate students in the field of Virology and infections disease diagnoses and control.

Professor Odaibo stated that the Laboratory will enhance the strength of the Department to serve as a Centre for human capacity building in the area of infectious diseases.

Good wishes were received from the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun through the Deputy Provost, Professor Fatai Adeniyi. The CMD of the University College Hospital, Professor Jesse Otegbayo also sent his good wishes through Dr. Kayode Iyun, the DCMAC (Education and Training).

Messages were received from Dr. Faisa Shuaib, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency through Mr Steve Akinrinade, the Zonal Director of the Agency.
Dr Ifedayo M. Adetifa , Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention sent his apologies.

The Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Soji Adeyanju; the Program Manager e- Health Africa, Mr Kazeem Balogun; the Representative of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Kathleen Rankin; as well as a retired Professor from the Department, Professor Ademola Fagbami also gave their good will messages.

The Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Professor Oyeronke Odunola could not hide her elation at the value that the Laboratory would add to the work of the Department of Virology.