UI Unveils Strategic Plan to Reposition Medical Research Institute for Global Excellence

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI), has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to reposition its Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT) as a leading centre for medical research, innovation and postgraduate training in Africa.

The initiative was unveiled during the opening of a two-day organisational review and repositioning retreat themed "Re-Align, Re-Energize, Re-Position", held at the University of Ibadan Digital Park in Oyo State. 

Speaking at the event, the Director of IAMRAT, Professor Ike Ajayi, described the retreat as a defining moment for the institute, stressing the need to adapt to the changing realities of global medical research through governance reforms, increased funding and stronger collaborations.

Ajayi noted that while the institute has made significant contributions to research in malaria, infectious diseases, neuroscience, genetics, molecular medicine, epidemiology and public health over the past four decades, evolving global standards now require a more robust governance structure capable of sustaining excellence and attracting international partnerships. 

She explained that the retreat would assess the institute's 2021–2025 strategic plan, benchmark its operations against leading African research institutions and develop practical strategies to strengthen governance, improve communication, mobilise resources and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

According to her, the goal is to build a globally competitive, financially sustainable and transparent research institute that responds effectively to Nigeria's healthcare priorities. 

Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, described the retreat as an opportunity for honest institutional reflection, noting that research institutions must evaluate themselves with the same level of scrutiny applied to scientific investigations.

He urged participants to move beyond identifying challenges and focus on implementing practical reforms that would strengthen the institute for future generations.

Delivering the keynote address, former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and former Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Babatunde Salako, called for greater investment in research and innovation, warning that inadequate funding, limited infrastructure and fragmented research efforts continue to hinder progress.

Salako advocated expanding the institute's malaria research programme into a broader infectious disease hub covering tuberculosis, HIV, Lassa fever and emerging viral diseases. He also proposed increased investment in cancer research, genomics, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neuroscience and precision medicine.

He further recommended integrating research institutes within the College of Medicine under IAMRAT to eliminate duplication, improve efficiency and strengthen funding opportunities. 

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter Olapegba, declared the retreat open and reaffirmed the university's commitment to repositioning IAMRAT as a globally recognised hub for scientific discovery and health research.

He noted that the institute's achievements in malaria research, molecular biology, genetics and biomedical sciences have enhanced the university's international reputation, adding that the ongoing reforms are aimed at enabling the institute to lead scientific innovation from Africa rather than merely participate in it.