Meet Professor Thairu Yunusa, Newly Appointed CMD, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital

A leading Nigerian academic and clinician, Thairu Yunusa, has been appointed Chief Medical Director of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

Yunusa, a Professor of Medical Microbiology, currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences at the University of Abuja. His appointment places him at the helm of one of Nigeria’s key federal teaching hospitals.

He obtained his MBBS from the University of Maiduguri in 2001, followed by an MSc in Medical Microbiology from the University of Jos in 2015, and later earned a PhD in Public Health and Preventive Medicine from the University of Abuja.

Throughout his career, Yunusa has been actively involved in infectious disease control and public health response, playing a notable role in Nigeria’s COVID-19 interventions. His contributions earned him recognition, including an UN Outstanding Award and service as UN Special Rapporteur on COVID-19 for the West African region.

He is affiliated with several professional bodies, including the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria (MDCAN), and the College of National Pathologists (CNP).

Beyond clinical practice, he has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, books, and monographs in high-impact journals. He has also contributed to national health policy development, including involvement in the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) infection prevention framework known as “PALS” and the Syndromic Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases guidelines.

Yunusa has participated in numerous conferences as a presenter and discussant, reinforcing his standing in both academic and policy circles.

He has since assumed office as Chief Medical Director of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.