McPherson University, NIMR Advance Talks On Strategic Partnership

McPherson University, Seriki-Sotayo, Ogun State, and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, have advanced discussions towards establishing a strategic partnership in medical research, academic development and professional training.

This followed a return visit by an NIMR delegation to the University, building on an earlier engagement by a McPherson University delegation with the Institute's management on August 11, 2026, to explore areas of collaboration and a proposed partnership agreement.

The NIMR delegation was led by the Director of Administration, Mr. Bitrus Nelson Nimlyat, and included the Deputy Director of Research (CSD), Dr. David Oladele; Chief Research Fellow and Biobank Manager, Dr. Toyosi Raheem; and Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Ugwu Obinna.

The team was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Adegbaye Igbasan; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Nwoko; Registrar, Mrs. Emi' Alawode; Bursar, Mrs. Aderonke Adeofun; University Librarian, Dr. Jerome Idiegbeyen-Ose; Acting Dean, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Dr. Adewale Oke; and Acting Dean, Faculty of Nursing, Dr. Dorcas Shonibare.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Nimlyat expressed the Institute's readiness to support the proposed collaboration, noting that NIMR has facilities that could facilitate practical training and research activities. He also indicated the Institute's willingness to accommodate McPherson University students for their Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). Furthermore, he expressed the readiness of NIMR personnel to serve as adjunct lecturers or undertake sabbatical engagements at the University.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the proposed partnership and proposed the constitution of a team to review the operational framework and identify areas of mutual benefit. He emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for experienced professionals from the research and medical industry to contribute to the University's academic activities, noting that their expertise would complement existing capacity in teaching, learning and research.

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research is a foremost national institution dedicated to basic, applied and operational research aimed at promoting health and national development. The Institute also provides an enabling environment for health research and training, as well as the dissemination of research findings, through collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Health, universities, the organised private sector and other national and international organisations.