President Bola Tinubu has officially appointed Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), effective July 24, 2024. Professor Obafunwa takes over from Professor Babatunde Salako, whose term concludes on July 23, 2024.
In a statement signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Tinubu expressed his gratitude to Professor Salako for his dedicated service and contributions during his tenure.
Professor Obafunwa brings a wealth of experience and an extensive background in medical research to his new role. He graduated in medicine from the University of Lagos in 1980 and specialized in Anatomic Pathology, completing his training in May 1987. His career includes further specialization in Forensic Pathology in Scotland (1991) and a law degree from England (2004). His academic journey is complemented by membership in various professional bodies across the UK, USA, and Nigeria.
Before his new appointment, Professor Obafunwa had a distinguished career internationally, working in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK. Upon returning to Nigeria in November 2004, he was appointed Professor of Forensic Pathology at Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), where he also served as Provost. He has held roles as Chief Medical Examiner for Lagos State and Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University. Most recently, he served as the International Regional Advisor for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Royal College of Pathologists (UK).
Professor Obafunwa’s scholarly contributions are notable, with numerous scientific publications and chapters in textbooks. His research interests include anatomic and forensic pathology, with ongoing projects in forensic entomology and taphonomy at the University of Nebraska, USA.
