President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerian epidemiologist and global health expert, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar, on his appointment as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Abubakar, a Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at University College London (UCL), is expected to join CEPI in March 2027 and assume office as CEO in April 2027.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the appointment as a significant recognition of Nigeria’s growing contribution to global health leadership.
Abubakar brings more than three decades of experience in medicine, infectious disease epidemiology, public health research, policy and international health leadership to the position.
The professor has held several prominent positions at UCL, including Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health and Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences. He has also contributed to international efforts aimed at strengthening pandemic preparedness and response.
CEPI is a global partnership focused on developing vaccines and strengthening preparedness against epidemics and pandemics. Abubakar’s appointment will see him take charge of the organisation as it implements its 2027–2031 strategy.
President Tinubu said Abubakar’s selection reflects the expertise, excellence and commitment of Nigerian professionals contributing to global development.
The President 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 Board’s decision to provide for a carefully managed transition ahead of Abubakar’s assumption of office and expressed confidence that the incoming CEO would bring exceptional expertise, vision and leadership to CEPI.
