- The event also featured the presentation of awards and grants
- The achievements demonstrate that impact is driven not by the size of available resources but by the wisdom
- Prof. Obafunwa emphasised that continuous funding remains central to sustaining impactful research outputs
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) on Tuesday hosted its November media engagement, a monthly platform aimed at breaking down key scientific, medical, and health research updates for the public.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the session, which began around 10:00 a.m. at the NIMR Auditorium, featured former Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the NIMR Foundation Board of Trustees, His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, as the special guest speaker.
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Fashola underscored the importance of transparency and collaboration, noting that showcasing NIMR’s openness and partnerships is essential for building confidence among donors, partners, and stakeholders.
He maintained that stronger public visibility, simplified knowledge-sharing, and active engagement remain crucial for helping Nigerians fully understand and benefit from the scientific work being carried out through the NIMR Foundation.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMR, Prof. John Oladipo Obafunwa, hosted the event, which brought together journalists, researchers, health communicators, policy experts, and members of academia for an interactive dialogue on enhancing public trust in scientific research.
Several notable figures were present at the session, including members of the Board of Trustees: Prof. Oye Gureje of the WHO Collaborating Centre, University of Ibadan; former NIMR DG, Prof. Oni Idigbe; Director of Research, Prof. John Obafunwa; the Director-General of the NIMR Foundation, HH Muhammad Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano; Dr. Olajide Sobande, Executive Director of the NIMR Foundation; and Chief Moji Makanjuola, Executive Director of the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH).
Prof. Obafunwa emphasised that continuous funding remains central to sustaining impactful research outputs and strengthening the mandate of the NIMR Foundation.
He explained that the foundation plays a critical role in supporting research activities, building strategic partnerships, and expanding the institute’s capacity to deliver national health solutions.
Speaking on the connection between the media and scientific advancement, Chief Moji Makanjuola described the media as a vital bridge for public awareness, accountability, visibility, and shaping public perception.
She noted that effective communication helps accelerate the translation of research findings into public knowledge and impact. She further encouraged NIMR to sustain a strong and active media presence.
A comprehensive four-year impact report was presented by the Executive Director of the NIMR Foundation, Dr. Olajide Sobande. The report, titled “Demonstrating Results, Accountability and National Impact (2021–2025)”, highlighted how the foundation has deployed resources, supported projects, and strengthened research capacity since its establishment.
Sobande explained that the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Foundation, launched in November 2021, began with the mission of building a sustainable pipeline of Nigerian researchers committed to solving national health challenges.
Four years on, he said the results speak for themselves, from training 120 early-career scientists to influencing national conversations on health research financing.
According to him, the achievements demonstrate that impact is driven not by the size of available resources but by the wisdom and accountability applied in using them.
The event also featured the presentation of awards and grants, including the Grantsmanship and Mentorship Training Program (GMTP): From Course to Fellowship, an initiative at the core of NIMR Foundation’s goal of nurturing young Nigerian researchers.
Participants were allowed to engage the speakers through questions, feedback, and clarifications, reinforcing NIMR’s commitment to open communication and accessible scientific dialogue.
The November edition of the NIMR Media Chat reaffirmed the institute’s dedication to promoting research-driven conversations that advance Nigeria’s health and development landscape.
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