University of Ibadan (UI) Leads in Human-Animal Disease Surveillance: Vice-Chancellor Reaffirms Commitment at CCPZ Inauguration
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has highlighted the institution’s long-standing leadership in teaching, research, and service delivery in the field of human-animal disease surveillance
UBA CHIDINMA 
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, has highlighted the institution’s long-standing leadership in teaching, research, and service delivery in the field of human-animal disease surveillance. Speaking through the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, at the inauguration of the Board and Committees of the Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses (CCPZ), Professor Adebowale underscored the university’s pivotal role since 1975 in combating zoonotic diseases such as Anthrax, Ebola, Rabies, and Lassa Fever.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the establishment of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has positioned UI at the forefront of zoonotic disease surveillance, with the university playing a crucial role in managing public health threats linked to human-animal interactions. He called for stronger collaborations both locally and globally to improve preparedness and ensure the effective control, prevention, and eventual elimination of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria and across Africa.
Zoonoses, diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, have significantly impacted public health, agriculture, and livelihoods in Nigeria, noted Professor Olapegba. He reassured the CCPZ of the university’s ongoing support for its efforts in training experts and conducting research on disease prevention and control.
Initially funded by the MacArthur Foundation and involving collaboration with institutions in Cameroon and Liberia, the CCPZ is now fully supported by the University of Ibadan. The Centre aims to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address zoonotic outbreaks and promote public health.
The newly inaugurated CCPZ Board includes the university’s top leadership, with Professor Adebowale as Chairman, and other key figures such as Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships, and Mr. G. O. Saliu, the Registrar of the university. The Centre will work closely with national and international institutions to advance its mission.
The Centre’s committees, including the Administrative, Experts, and Finance Committees, feature leading academics from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, as well as representatives from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The CCPZ’s efforts are seen as vital in addressing the growing challenge of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria, with the university playing a key role in both national and international efforts to mitigate public health risks associated with animal diseases.
