The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has congratulated Professor Ibrahim Abubakar on his appointment as the new Vice-Provost (Health) at University College London (UCL), described the development as a proud moment for Nigeria and a major boost to global health leadership.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Professor Pate said Abubakar’s appointment reflected not only his outstanding personal achievements but also the increasing global recognition of Nigerian professionals in the health sector.
“Professor Abubakar’s appointment reflects not only his personal excellence but also the growing recognition of Nigerian professionals at the forefront of global health. His leadership will undoubtedly help shape critical cross-disciplinary solutions to health challenges worldwide,” the Minister stated.
Professor Abubakar, a world-renowned epidemiologist and infectious disease expert, will lead UCL’s cross-disciplinary health strategy through the newly established Vice-Provost (Health) office. He assumes the role immediately on a part-time basis and is expected to transition into the position fully in 2025.
The new role entrusts Professor Abubakar with the responsibility of advancing UCL’s “whole-university strategy for health”, which seek to integrate research, education, and innovation across diverse disciplines including biomedical sciences, engineering, social sciences, and public policy.
Since joining UCL in 2012 as Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Professor Abubakar has served in several key roles, including Director of the UCL Institute for Global Health and Dean of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences. He was named Pro-Provost (Health) in 2023, a role that laid the groundwork for his current appointment.
Professor Pate expressed confidence that Abubakar’s new position will further deepen international partnerships and contribute significantly to addressing global public health challenges.
