UI VC Describes Department of Virology as Global Hub in Disease Control Efforts

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has described the institution’s Department of Virology as a globally recognised hub in the fight against poliomyelitis and other infectious diseases, noting that it has significantly enhanced the international visibility of the university.

He made this assertion while receiving officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Gates Foundation, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and faculty members of the Department of Virology during a courtesy visit to his office.

Professor Adebowale commended the Department for its strong global reputation and its critical role in responding to major public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He described the National Polio Laboratory hosted within the department as a strategic national and continental asset.

He also praised the WHO and the Gates Foundation for supporting the installation of a hybrid solar and inverter power system in the Department, noting that unstable electricity supply remains a major operational challenge in the country. He assured the delegation of the university’s continued support for the department and its international partnerships.

The Incident Manager of the National Emergency Operations Centre, Dr Audu Musa Idowu, highlighted the laboratory’s central role in Nigeria’s disease surveillance and outbreak response framework, particularly in polio eradication and genomic sequencing.

He described the Ibadan National Polio Laboratory as a source of pride for Nigeria and Africa, stressing its importance in improving rapid disease detection and response. He noted that prior to local sequencing capacity, samples were sent abroad, causing delays of up to 40 days, but results are now delivered in less than two weeks due to improved infrastructure.

The WHO Country Representative and Head of Mission, Dr Pavel Ursu, represented by Dr Sachin Rewaria, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health systems through sustained technical and institutional support.

The Acting Head of the Department of Virology, Dr A B Onoja, explained that the newly installed 100 KVA solar power system was designed to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations and enhance the efficiency of critical public health services.

He appreciated the WHO and the Gates Foundation for their support in completing and commissioning the solar-powered infrastructure, describing it as a major boost to Nigeria’s public health emergency preparedness and laboratory capacity.