The new agenda was presented during the opening of a two-day organisational review and repositioning retreat themed “Re-Align, Re-Energize, Re-Position,” held at the university’s Digital Park in Ibadan. The retreat brought together university administrators, former provosts, directors of research institutes, medical researchers, policymakers, development partners and alumni to chart a new course for the institute, which has served as one of Nigeria’s foremost biomedical research centres for over four decades.
Director of IAMRAT, Professor Ike Ajayi, described the exercise as a defining moment in the institute’s history, stressing that evolving global research realities require governance reforms, stronger collaborations and increased funding to sustain research excellence and address Nigeria’s growing healthcare challenges.
According to her, the institute has recorded notable achievements in malaria research, infectious diseases, neuroscience, genetics, molecular medicine, epidemiology, environmental health and public health. However, she noted that changes in global research funding, multidisciplinary collaboration and accountability standards have made institutional reforms unavoidable.
Ajayi 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 for improving governance, strengthening communication, mobilising resources and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration.
She emphasised that the ultimate objective is to build an institute that is strategically focused, globally competitive, financially sustainable, transparent and responsive to Nigeria’s health priorities, noting that transformation would require innovation, courage and a shared commitment to excellence.
Provost of the College of Medicine, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, described the retreat as an opportunity for sincere institutional self-assessment, arguing that research institutions should subject themselves to the same level of scrutiny they apply in scientific investigations.
He said the true strength of a research institution should not be measured solely by the volume of grants secured or the number of scholarly publications produced, but also by its ability to nurture young scientists, promote innovation and create an environment where groundbreaking discoveries can thrive.
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, stressed that Nigeria cannot significantly improve healthcare delivery without stronger investment in medical research and innovation.
Salako identified inadequate funding, limited research infrastructure, shortage of dedicated researchers and fragmented research efforts as major obstacles limiting the institute’s growth. He advocated expanding the institute’s malaria research programme into a broader infectious diseases hub covering tuberculosis, HIV, Lassa fever and emerging viral diseases, while also strengthening research in cancer, genomics, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neuroscience and precision medicine.
He further proposed the administrative integration of research institutes within the College of Medicine under IAMRAT to eliminate duplication of responsibilities, improve operational efficiency and enhance opportunities for increased government funding and resource mobilisation.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter Olapegba, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to becoming a globally recognised research-driven institution. He noted that IAMRAT’s contributions to malaria research, molecular biology, genetics and biomedical sciences have significantly enhanced the institution’s international reputation.
He added that the changing global health landscape demands renewed priorities, stronger workforce development and strategic repositioning that will enable IAMRAT to lead scientific discoveries from Africa rather than merely participate in them.
Highlights of the Repositioning Agenda
Reposition IAMRAT as a leading African centre for medical research, innovation and postgraduate training.
Introduce governance reforms to strengthen institutional efficiency and accountability.
Review and assess the institute’s 2021–2025 strategic plan.
Benchmark operations against leading African medical research institutions.
Strengthen multidisciplinary and international research collaborations.
Improve resource mobilisation and attract greater research funding.
Expand research beyond malaria to include tuberculosis, HIV, Lassa fever and emerging infectious diseases.
Increase investment in cancer, genomics, neuroscience, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and precision medicine.
Enhance postgraduate training and capacity building for young researchers.
Promote administrative integration of overlapping research institutes to improve efficiency.
Position the institute as a globally competitive, financially sustainable and innovation-driven research hub capable of addressing Nigeria’s healthcare priorities.
